US President Donald Trump was unexpectedly awarded FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize during the World Cup 2026 final draw held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on Friday. The event, packed with world leaders, celebrities, and sports icons, showcased Trump at the centre of the evening despite his earlier claim that he was not attending to receive an honour.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the award, praising Trump for promoting dialogue and seeking de-escalation in global conflicts. A video played before the presentation highlighted Trump’s efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict and his attempts to push forward negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Trump called the award one of the greatest honours of his life and said his goal was not prizes but saving lives. Speaking to reporters earlier, he claimed to have “settled eight wars” in his 10 months in office, a claim widely disputed, as several of the conflicts he cited remain unresolved.
The ceremony, held in Washington at Trump’s urging, also featured Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. However, Trump dominated the evening from start to finish, including participating in the group-stage draw alongside the two leaders. Infantino styled the draw like a game show, placing the three leaders behind brightly coloured podiums.
The president was handed a large gold-plated trophy shaped like a globe raised by several hands, along with a medal he wore immediately. Infantino said Trump was being recognised for promoting peace and unity around the world.
The event blended politics, entertainment, and sport. It opened with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performing “Nessun Dorma”, a song frequently played at Trump’s rallies. Performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger followed, while sports legends Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Aaron Judge also appeared on stage.
The spectacle comes as Trump faces criticism at home and abroad. This week, his administration froze immigration applications from 19 countries after the fatal shooting of two National Guard members. Days earlier, he drew condemnation for calling Somali immigrants in the US “garbage”.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring 48 teams and a record 104 matches across 16 cities. Friday’s event ended with the Village People performing “YMCA”, closing a night that highlighted Trump’s continued effort to tie presidential power with major cultural and sporting moments.
