In a move aimed at promoting global unity through football, FIFA has announced the creation of a new annual award, the FIFA Peace Prize, also known as “Football Unites the World.” The first recipient of this award will be unveiled during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw set to take place in Washington, D.C., later this year.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who made the announcement on Wednesday, said the initiative underscores football’s power to bridge divides and foster peace.
“Football stands for peace, and through this award, we will honour individuals whose efforts bring people together and inspire hope for future generations,” Infantino stated.
The unveiling of the award comes just before Infantino’s appearance at the America Business Forum in Miami, an event that also featured U.S. President Donald Trump and football legend Lionel Messi as speakers.
Although FIFA did not disclose who will receive the inaugural prize, speculation is already rife that President Trump, a known ally of Infantino could be the frontrunner. Trump is expected to attend the World Cup draw on December 5 at the Kennedy Center, where he recently took up a leadership role as part of his campaign against what he calls “woke culture.”
Earlier this year, Trump had publicly stated that he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his “global conflict resolution efforts.” However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee bypassed him last month, awarding the honour instead to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19.
FIFA’s new peace prize is seen as part of the organization’s broader effort to reinforce football’s role as a tool for diplomacy and unity at a time when global divisions continue to deepen.
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