WASHINGTON — During the draw for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented a novel award to U.S. President Donald Trump.

The event, held on Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., was marked by grandeur and elegance, featuring an appearance by Trump himself.

Trump collaborated closely with FIFA’s Infantino to relocate the draw to the Kennedy Center, following initial expectations that it might occur in Las Vegas.

In recognition of his efforts, FIFA bestowed the newly established peace prize upon the president during the ceremony.

“This is your prize, this is your peace prize,” Infantino said. He has repeatedly spoken about soccer as a unifier for the world, but the prize is a departure from the federation’s traditional focus on sport.

Trump, who has publicly campaigned for a Nobel Peace Prize, was awarded FIFA’s own peace prize that Infantino established after traveling to several events with Trump. Infantino had previously made it clear that he thought Trump should have won the Nobel for his efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Every nation and every culture has wished for peace,” a video package announcing the award described. 

It’s unclear who exactly selects the winner of FIFA’s peace prize. 

The prize comes during a week when Trump’s administration has been under scrutiny for lethal strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and as Trump hardens his rhetoric against immigrants.

The Nobel this year was eventually awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who said shortly after receiving the prize that she was dedicating it in part to Trump for “his decisive support of our cause.”

FIFA announced the creation of the peace prize last month, saying it will “recognize exceptional actions for peace.” 

Soccer’s governing body said the prize will be awarded annually. 

During his remarks on stage at the Kennedy Center, Trump called the award one of the great honors of his life. 

“We saved millions and millions of lives,” Trump said, while repeating his claim about ending wars. He also remarked about the record-breaking ticket sales already for the World Cup and thanked first lady Melania Trump. 

Trump was widely expected to be the recipient of the inaugural prize as he and Infantino have been notably close in the past few months. The creation of the award also followed Trump’s open campaign for the Nobel Peace Prize. 

“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 a news release. “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.”

Last month, Infantino called Trump “a close friend” who has “such an incredible energy.”

FIFA recently added another link to Trump by appointing his daughter Ivanka to the board of a $100 million education project part-funded by 2026 World Cup ticket sales.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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