FIFA has announced the establishment of a new annual award known as the FIFA Peace Prize, which will be presented for the first time during the 2026 World Cup finals draw in Washington D.C. next month. The global soccer governing body revealed that the award, named “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” aims to honor individuals who have made exceptional and extraordinary efforts towards promoting peace.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who actively work to resolve conflicts and foster unity in a world marked by increasing unrest and division. Infantino highlighted the symbolic representation of peace through football and expressed gratitude on behalf of the global football community for the significant contributions of individuals who bring people together, offering hope for future generations.
The announcement coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier declaration in August regarding the World Cup draw scheduled for December 5 at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. At this event, 48 teams will discover their group stage opponents, symbolizing a moment of global unity and pride as emphasized by Infantino’s statement to President Trump.
Moreover, President Trump, who had actively campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize this year, had criticized the Nobel Committee’s decision to award it to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in the previous month. The upcoming World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will feature a record 104 matches across 16 host cities, showcasing the power of football to bring nations together through sport.