The World Cup draw always proves a spectacle. The 2026 iteration of the event will be no exception, with the expanded 48-country field set to produce more than a few shocks.
The prospect of watching the game’s finest stars light up fields in the U.S., Canada and Mexico is enticing for billions. But Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal aren’t the only people who will be watching the event with bated breath.
So will U.S. President Donald Trump. The 79-year-old head of state could be landing some hardware of his own during the event, with FIFA set to award its inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to individuals believed to have made the greatest contribution to creating peace for soccer lovers across the planet.
FIFA has attempted to paint itself as a “neutral” observer to present-day political conflicts. The peace prize represents a shift away from that alleged principle. Suffice to say, the award — and its recipient — will be a notable talking point when it is handed out on Dec. 5.
So, what is the FIFA Peace Prize? Here’s what you need to know.
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What is the FIFA Peace Prize?
Introduced in 2025, the award is designed to "reward individuals who have taken individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace", the FIFA Peace Prize is an award granted to individuals believed to have united the masses of soccer enthusiasts, per a FIFA press release.
It seems to borrow its title — at least somewhat — from the Nobel Peace Prize, whose committee alleges to handing hardware to the person or organization has "conferred the greatest benefit to humankind in the field of peace" during the preceding year, per the Nobel Peace Prize committee's mission statement.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the award during an appearance at the America Business Forum in the Kaseya Center on Nov. 5. The Athletic reported that FIFA's announcement came as a surprise to the majority of FIFA Council members. Sources told The Athletic that the Council's eight vice-presidents were not consulted or involved in the prize's creation. The selection criteria remains murky, with council members reportedly unable to offer input into the process of determining a winner. Some found out about the award via press release, according to The Athletic.
Confusion around the award has led Human Rights Watch — one of the world's largest human rights and advocacy organizations — to write a letter to FIFA seeking clarification on the award. Human Rights Watch wrote the letter to FIFA on Nov. 11, setting a deadline of Nov. 20 to respond. As of Dec. 2, FIFA hasn't responded to Human Rights Watch's request.
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Gianni Infantino explains FIFA Peace Prize
Infantino offered insight into the award while speaking with an audience at the America Business Forum.
“This is the right platform to award somebody who has done so much or is doing so much for peace because we need that," Infantino said. "Football helps a little bit, but then we need leaders to push it into the goal and to score the goal."
He also said the following in FIFA's initial statement announcing the award:
“In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace,” Infantino said in FIFA's statement announcing the award.
Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize — Football Unites the World will recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations.”
Will Donald Trump win FIFA Peace Prize?
Infantino is a known admirer of Donald Trump, having chummed around with the U.S. President during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Trump is believed to desire the Nobel Peace Prize, with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13) nominating him for the medal in October. Trump claims to have settled eight wars since returning to office.
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“At a time when global conflict is escalating and many leaders hide behind speeches instead of action, President Trump is delivering results,” Rep. Luna wrote. “This was not political theater—it was serious, results-driven diplomacy that will save thousands of lives and restore hope to millions.”
Infantino made similar claims on Oct. 9, writing on Instagram that deserves the prize for his "decisive actions" in facilitating a "ceasefire" amid Israel's genocide of Palestinians. Israelis have continued to kill Palestinians and Lebanese civilians in the weeks following the announcement of the ceasefire. On Nov. 28, the United Nations calling for an independent investigation to be conducted after video emerged showing Israeli security forces killing two unarmed and surrendering Palestinian men in Jenin, a city in the West Bank.
Trump was not awarded a Nobel Peace Prize this year. He is still believed to desire the award — or something similar to it.
During his Nov. 5 speech at Kaseya Center, Infantino was asked if Trump was a candidate for the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. Infantino was coy in his response.
"You will see," Infantino said.
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Given Trump's desire for a peace prize of his own — as well as he and Infantino's seemingly close relationship — it seems quite possible that the 79-year-old could land the honor. It will be presented at the draw for the 2026 World Cup on Dec. 4, a spectacle that will take place at the Kennedy Center, an 11-minute drive from the White House.
Are Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino friends?
Trump and Infantino have a close relationship, with the former labeling their tie as "crucial" to facilitating the success of the 2026 World Cup. Trump has praised Infantino for his professional acumen, calling him a "winner" in a video that aired during the Miami draw for the Club World Cup, per NBC 4 Washington. Trump's daughter, Ivanka, and son-in law, Jared Kushner, watched on in attendance during the event.
Infantino celebrated Trump's return to the presidential office, visited him at Mar-a-Lago, his South Florida club, and attended Trump's presidential inauguration. As previously mentioned, he also called for Trump to take home the Nobel Peace Prize for his policy in the Middle East.
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FIFA's offices are located in Trump Tower, and Infantino even suggested the idea of Trump doing the World Cup draw himself.
“Just like a great opera, there will be high drama,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House task force, said.
In 2020, Infantino called Trump "my great friend." He was summarily given an invitation to the signing of the Abraham Accords — an event that saw several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, normalize relations with Israel.
Per NBC 4 Washington, Infantino has made more public appearances with Trump than any other soccer official from Europe or South America. He appeared at the White House on Aug. 22, handing Trump a replica World Cup trophy — much to the surprise of some fellow soccer figures.
All of that is to say, Trump and Infantino aren't merely professional allies. They're friends, too.