In a move that’s already drawing global attention and a fair share of controversy, FIFA has announced the creation of a new annual accolade: the FIFA Peace Prize. The inaugural award is set to be presented during the World Cup draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025—a ceremony expected to reach a worldwide audience of around one billion viewers, according to the Associated Press.
FIFA, soccer’s governing body, says the Peace Prize is designed to “reward individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who will present the award, has underscored its importance, stating, “In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace.”
The announcement comes at a time when the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, is preparing to host the 2026 World Cup. The draw on December 5 will determine the matchups for the 48 participating teams, marking a significant milestone in the lead-up to the tournament, which will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities.
Yet, as with many things FIFA, the introduction of the Peace Prize is not without its share of intrigue—especially given the organization’s increasingly visible ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. Infantino has not been shy about his friendship with Trump, telling the America Business Forum in Miami, “I’m really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, who I consider really a close friend. Of course, he’s been very, very helpful in everything we do for the World Cup.”
The timing of the Peace Prize announcement is also noteworthy. Just last month, Trump was passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize despite a highly publicized lobbying effort by his administration and allies. The White House didn’t hide its displeasure, with Communications Director Steven Cheung stating that the Nobel Committee had “proved they place politics over peace” after the prize went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The new FIFA Peace Prize, then, is arriving on the heels of Trump’s disappointment—and speculation is rife that he could be its first recipient.
When asked directly whether Trump would be the inaugural honoree, Infantino played coy, responding, “On the 5th of December, you will see.” This noncommittal answer has only fueled further conjecture, especially as Trump has expressed his intention to attend the event. According to The New York Times, Infantino’s relationship with Trump is “absolutely crucial” to FIFA’s World Cup plans, a sentiment echoed by the president himself, who announced in August that the World Cup draw would be held in Washington instead of Las Vegas—a sudden change of course that reportedly surprised many within FIFA.
Infantino’s closeness to Trump extends beyond professional courtesies. The FIFA president has attended several high-profile events with the U.S. leader, including the Gaza peace summit in Egypt last month and a summit with Asian leaders in Malaysia. During a White House visit, Infantino even presented Trump with one of just three official replicas of the men’s World Cup trophy, further cementing their alliance.
FIFA’s connections to the Trump family don’t end there. In July, the organization opened an office in Trump Tower, New York, and appointed Ivanka Trump to the board of a $100 million education project, which is partially funded by World Cup ticket sales. This move, reported by POLITICO, has drawn criticism from watchdogs concerned about conflicts of interest and the appearance of political favoritism.
For some observers, the Peace Prize looks like a calculated gesture aimed at currying favor with a president who holds considerable influence over the success of the upcoming World Cup. As WhoWhatWhy pointed out, “FIFA seems to have come up with an ingenious way of staying in the good graces of Donald Trump, the one man who can screw up the world’s marquee sporting event.” The publication went so far as to joke about creating its own tongue-in-cheek award for organizations that “suck up best to Donald Trump.”
Others are more circumspect, noting that football (or soccer, as it’s known in the U.S.) has historically played a role in uniting people across borders and cultures. Infantino himself has repeatedly invoked this theme, saying, “Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World will recognize the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations.”
Still, the move has revived old questions about FIFA’s commitment to political neutrality. The organization has, in the past, penalized member federations for government interference in their affairs. Infantino’s increasingly public political associations—especially his support for Trump—have led some to wonder whether FIFA is blurring the lines between sport and politics. The New York Times highlighted this tension, noting that Infantino’s proximity to the president has “raised questions about whether FIFA is adhering to its own rules on political neutrality.”
Adding to the controversy are Trump’s recent actions and statements. According to POLITICO, the president has floated ideas as bold as annexing Greenland and Canada and has announced intentions to recommence nuclear testing—moves that have drawn international criticism and further complicated his image as a peacemaker.
Despite the swirl of speculation and skepticism, one fact remains clear: the FIFA Peace Prize is set to become a major talking point at one of the world’s biggest sporting events. Whether the award will be seen as a genuine step toward recognizing efforts for peace or as a political maneuver remains to be seen. What’s certain is that all eyes will be on Washington on December 5, when the world will finally learn who FIFA deems worthy of this new—and already controversial—honor.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the intersection of sport, politics, and international diplomacy is more visible than ever, and the FIFA Peace Prize stands as both a symbol of hope and a lightning rod for debate.
