Trump to Address World Cup Draw, Receive Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize
FIFA has invited former President Donald Trump to speak at the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup draw this Friday, where he is expected to receive the organization’s newly created “FIFA Peace Prize — Football Unites the World.” The invitation, reported first by Politico, has sparked controversy given the lack of transparency surrounding the prize’s selection process and the organization’s apparent eagerness to accommodate the former president.
The almost two-hour event, scheduled to take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., will also be attended by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. However, sources briefed on the event’s planning indicate the majority of attention will be focused on Trump, who has been allotted a few minutes to address the audience. FIFA is reportedly unlikely to strictly limit the length of his remarks.
The White House swiftly praised the decision, with spokesperson Davis Ingle stating, “The United States of America has never been more respected or successful than it is now under President Trump’s historic leadership. America is the hottest country in the world right now, which makes us the perfect country to host one of the greatest sporting events in history — the FIFA World Cup 2026.” The White House declined to comment specifically on Trump’s planned speech.
The Creation of the FIFA Peace Prize
FIFA announced the “FIFA Peace Prize” on November 5, framing it as a recognition of individuals working to “end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace.” In a statement released on the FIFA website and FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s Instagram account, Infantino emphasized the importance of recognizing those who “unite people, bringing hope for future generations.” The prize is intended to be awarded annually, with Trump receiving the inaugural honor.
The timing of the prize announcement coincided with Trump’s appearance at the America Business Forum in Miami, where he also addressed an audience at the Kaseya Center. Following Trump’s expressed desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize – an award ultimately given to Venezuelan democracy advocate María Corina Machado – FIFA subsequently announced its own award. Multiple sources within FIFA, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Trump is widely expected to be the recipient.
Infantino publicly signaled his support for awarding Trump the prize, stating “You will see” when questioned about the possibility on November 5. However, the process leading to the prize’s creation and selection has been criticized for its lack of transparency. Reports indicate that FIFA did not consult with its FIFA Council or vice presidents before conceiving of or announcing the prize, nor were they involved in establishing the selection criteria.
Adapting the Event to Trump’s Preferences
The event is demonstrably being tailored to Trump’s preferences. The Kennedy Center, a performing arts venue, has become a frequent location for events associated with Trump and his allies since his return to power in January. Furthermore, FIFA announced that the Village People, known for their hit song “Y.M.C.A.” – a song frequently played at Trump’s rallies and fundraisers – will perform at the World Cup draw. Trump is known to dance along to the song with his supporters.
The decision to award Trump the prize has also drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations. On November 11, Human Rights Watch sent a letter to Infantino requesting information regarding the prize’s selection process and criteria, setting a November 20 deadline for a response. The organization has stated that it did not receive a reply. The letter specifically requested:
- The formal criteria FIFA will use to evaluate nominees.
- Whether these criteria will be published before the December 5 award ceremony.
- How FIFA will identify and receive nominations, and a list of nominees.
- The qualifications of those serving as judges or decision-makers.
- How human rights considerations will factor into the selection process.
FIFA has declined to comment on the matter. The situation raises questions about the organization’s commitment to its stated human rights principles and the potential for political influence in its decision-making processes.
