U.S. President Donald Trump has been awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony held at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the honour onstage, describing Trump as the inaugural recipient “in recognition of his exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world.”

“This is your prize, this is your peace prize,” Infantino said as he handed Trump the trophy, medal, and certificate. “There is also a beautiful medal for you that you can wear anywhere you want.”

According to FIFA, the award celebrates “individuals who help unite people in peace through unwavering commitment and special actions.”
However, the football body did not disclose how Trump was selected. Reports indicate that a newly formed “social responsibility” committee—reportedly chaired by Myanmar billionaire Zaw Zaw—will define the selection procedure for future editions.

In his acceptance speech, Trump described the honour as “one of the great moments of my life,” before making sweeping claims about preventing global conflicts.

He said: “We saved millions and millions of lives — the Congo is an example, over 10 million people killed and it was heading for another 10 million very quickly. India and Pakistan, so many different wars we were able to end, in some cases just before they started.”

Trump also commended Infantino for the World Cup’s “record-breaking ticket sales” and promised that the 2026 edition would be “an event the world has never seen.”

He ended his remarks by declaring: “The world is a safer place now… we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world.”