As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup draw begins, the football world is bracing for more than just the grouping of teams. The upcoming draw scheduled for 5 December 2025 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. — will mark the first time a newly-created award, the FIFA Peace Prize, is presented.
The award, announced by FIFA in November 2025, aims to honour “exceptional actions for peace and global unity.”
At the same time, the event will carry a heavy political and symbolic charge.Observers expect FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a frequent visitor to the White House and known ally of Trump, to play a central role. Many believe Trump himself could win this first Peace Prize
Trump’s expected presence and high-profile speaking role at the draw has already stirred speculation and scrutiny.
While FIFA frames this as a step toward promoting global unity, critics argue the prize lacks transparency: selection criteria and decision-making procedures remain opaque. Given Infantino’s ties to Trump and the timing following Trump’s public push for the Nobel Peace Prize (which he didn’t win), many see the move as politically motivated.
Some within football circles fear this could compromise the organisation’s long-standing principle of political neutrality. Others warn that mixing high-stakes sport with high-stakes politics risks alienating fans and undermining trust in global sporting institutions.
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