The FIFA Peace Prize (Football Unites the World) is a newly announced award by the governing body of soccer, FIFA with the award set to “recognize exceptional actions for peace” in the world.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the award is meant to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of those who work to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace, especially “in an increasingly unsettled and divided world.”
It is planned to be bestowed annually on behalf of fans worldwide with the first recipient set to receive the award on December 5 next month at the 2026 World Cup group stage draw which is set to be staged in Washington DC.
Firm favourite for inaugural prize
Social media has gone into overdrive speculating that there is one clear, standalone candidate to bag the first FIFA Peace Prize with US President Donald Trump tipped for the distinction.
The relationship between President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino is widely reported to be close and collaborative.
Trump has publicly described Infantino as “probably the most respected man in sports.” Infantino has called Trump his “great friend” and publicly thanked him for his support of FIFA events.
Both men have met on several occasions, including at the White House during Trump’s first presidency, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
The relationship is seen by many as a strategic alliance, particularly for the preparation and execution of the upcoming major FIFA tournaments in the US with Infantino reportedly full of admiration after Trump brokering the peace deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.