Trump openly pursued the Nobel Peace Prize and long desired global acclaim. Supporters heavily expected him to secure the newly created FIFA honor.
US President Donald Trump received the new FIFA peace prize at the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday. The award gave the tournament’s matchup event an added Trump-focused dimension.
Trump openly sought the Nobel Peace Prize and long valued its prestige. Observers again predicted his victory in the fresh FIFA category.
Alliance Shapes Recognition
He maintains a close alliance with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who consistently endorsed Trump’s nomination. Infantino stated that Trump deserved the Nobel for attempting to broker a Gaza ceasefire.
“This is your prize, this is your peace prize,” Infantino declared. He frequently promotes football as a global unifier and now expands FIFA’s reach with this new award.
Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Centre in Washington that he felt unsure about receiving the honor and added, “I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives.”
Global Context Intensifies
FIFA describes the award as recognition for individuals who take extraordinary actions for peace and unite people worldwide.
The announcement arrived during a week when the Trump administration faced scrutiny for lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. Trump also intensified his rhetoric against immigrants.
The Nobel Committee eventually granted this year’s Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. She dedicated part of her recognition to Trump for “his decisive support of our cause.”
