WASHINGTON (MNN); U.S. President Donald Trump said he did not attend the 2026 World Cup draw to win an award, yet he ended up receiving one.
Trump, who has strongly pushed this year for a Nobel Peace Prize, was honoured with FIFA’s inaugural peace prize for what the organisation described as his role in encouraging dialogue and reducing tensions in global conflict zones.
Trump took center stage at Washington’s Kennedy Center on Friday, surrounded by international media, becoming the main focus of one of the sporting world’s most prominent events.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Although Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum were present, the spotlight remained firmly on Trump.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino opened the ceremony by describing next year’s tournament as unique and spectacular. His remarks, however, felt equally suited to the grand event held in Washington, which was hosted at Trump’s request.
The ceremony began with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli performing “Nessun Dorma,” a song frequently played at Trump’s rallies and one of his favourites.
Before the event officially began, Trump declared that “nobody ever thought a thing like this could happen,” overlooking the fact that the United States previously hosted the World Cup in 1994.
Last month, FIFA introduced a new annual honour, the FIFA Peace Prize, to recognise extraordinary contributions to peace.
A video shown before the award presentation praised Trump for resolving the Gaza conflict and for efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. The trophy, a gold-plated globe held aloft by sculpted hands, was notably bigger than a Nobel medal.
Infantino placed a medal around Trump’s neck and hailed him for promoting global unity and peace. Trump described the award as a thoughtful gesture, adding humorously that it was a tribute to Infantino and football – or soccer, as it is known in the U.S.
Trump praised his own leadership as well, claiming the United States was struggling before he took office but is now “the hottest country anywhere in the world.”
The award came the same week his administration halted immigration applications from 19 nations following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington. It also followed Trump’s recent comments referring to Somali immigrants in the U.S. as “garbage,” which sparked widespread criticism.
Speaking earlier to reporters, Trump insisted he was not focused on winning awards, asserting instead that he had “settled eight wars” in his 10 months in office. He said his priority was saving lives, claiming he had saved millions.
