FIFA introduces Peace Award, Trump could be the first recipient

(Patria) - FIFA on Wednesday established a new annual award called the FIFA Award for Peace, which will be presented for the first time during the draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington, the world football governing body announced on Wednesday, AFP reported.

"Football stands for peace and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Award for Peace - Football Unites the World will recognize the immense efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope to future generations," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a statement.

The announcement came before Infantino appeared at the America Business Forum in Miami, where US President Donald Trump and Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi also spoke.

The winner of the inaugural award has not been revealed, but speculation has immediately arisen that it could go to Trump, an ally of Infantino, who is expected to be present at the draw on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in the US capital.

Trump, standing next to Infantino, announced in August from the Oval Office that the draw would be held at the Kennedy Center, where he has positioned himself this year as president in what he calls a war against "woke" culture.

Since returning to office for a second term in January, Trump has insisted he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in resolving numerous conflicts around the world.

However, the US president was ignored by the Norwegian Nobel Committee last month, awarding the peace prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

The 2026 World Cup will be jointly organized by the United States,
Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.