After Missing Nobel Prize, FIFA Consoles Trump With Football Peace Gong

United States President Donald Trump has received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, a newly created honour by world football’s governing body, just weeks after he was overlooked by the Norwegian Nobel Committee for its prestigious Peace Prize.

The award, presented to a person who has “taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and “united people across the world”, was handed to Trump by FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The announcement came shortly after Trump publicly expressed frustration at missing out on the Nobel Prize, insisting he deserved recognition for “ending various conflicts.” Instead, he settled for the football-themed peace gong, which included a trophy, a certificate, and a medal.

Infantino’s decision to introduce the award, and to make Trump its first recipient — has raised eyebrows. The FIFA boss has maintained a close relationship with the U.S. President, appearing with him on multiple occasions this year alone. Infantino was present at Trump’s 2017 inauguration and has made several visits to Washington since then.

The ceremony also set the stage for next year’s World Cup, which will be hosted across 16 cities in North America. The opening match is scheduled for June 11, 2026, with the final to be played in the United States on July 19. With an expanded lineup of 48 teams, the 2026 tournament is expected to be the most attended in FIFA’s history.

For now, after missing out on Oslo’s nod, Trump can at least claim a consolation symbol of global peace — delivered through world football.