“I Don’t Need Prizes” – Trump Claims FIFA Peace Medal at World Cup Draw
U.S. President Donald Trump was awarded FIFA’s newly created Peace Prize during the 2026 World Cup draw, turning a routine football ceremony into a political and diplomatic talking point. The moment mattered not just because of the award but because of Trump’s close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the timing of the gesture on the world’s biggest football stage.
The prize was handed over on Friday at the Kennedy Center during the official World Cup draw ceremony. FIFA described the award as recognition for “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and for efforts to unite people around the world. Infantino personally presented Trump with a gold medal and a symbolic trophy bearing his name.
Trump, speaking briefly to reporters on arrival, said, “I don’t need prizes. I just want to save lives,” before later calling the honor “one of the great honors of my life” in his remarks on stage.
The award itself has been months in the making. Trump had been widely tipped to receive FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize, a move strongly backed by Infantino, who has openly stated that Trump deserved international recognition for his diplomatic efforts, particularly attempts to broker ceasefire discussions in the Middle East. Infantino and Trump have developed a visibly close relationship as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
During the ceremony, Infantino described the medal as “a beautiful medal for you that you can wear everywhere you want to go” and praised Trump as “a leader that cares about the people.” Trump immediately placed the medal around his neck as cameras rolled, while also receiving a gold trophy depicting hands lifting the world.
The political backdrop made the moment even more charged. The prize arrived in a week where Trump’s administration was engaged in shuttle diplomacy aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, while also facing criticism over military actions in the Caribbean and tougher public messaging on immigration. The contrast between FIFA’s message of unity and the wider global tension sharpened the spotlight.
Trump used his speech to thank his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, and praised Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. He described cooperation between the host nations as “outstanding” as preparations intensify for the expanded 2026 World Cup.
Not everyone sees the move as a straightforward celebration of peace efforts. FIFA’s decision to introduce a Peace Prize represents a clear shift away from its traditional focus on football and governance, pushing it deeper into political and social territory. The timing has raised questions about whether the governing body is chasing relevance off the pitch as much as influence on it.
The wider context makes the story even more complex. This year’s actual Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who publicly credited Trump for his “decisive support” shortly after receiving the honor. That statement added another layer to the narrative around Trump’s global political image.
With the World Cup now less than two years away, FIFA’s relationship with political figures is becoming harder to separate from the sport itself. The tournament is meant to unify, but moments like this blur the lines between football, diplomacy, and global power.
As buildup to 2026 accelerates, one question now hangs over the sport: can football’s biggest stage remain neutral when its governing body is handing out medals for peace to world leaders?