FIFA admits: Trump peace price was a deep embarrassment
A ceremony that reshaped the conversation
The 2026 World Cup draw on December 5 was intended to focus global attention on football. Instead, it introduced a political moment that has since overshadowed preparations for the tournament.
During the event, FIFA president Gianni Infantino presented United States president Donald Trump with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Award. Addressing Trump, Infantino said, “We want to see hope, we want to see unity, we want to see a future. This is what we want to see from a leader, and you definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize.”
At the time, Trump was already facing international criticism over his political agenda. Since then, scrutiny has intensified, reshaping how the decision is viewed both inside and outside FIFA.
Rising tensions after the award
Following the ceremony, global developments have placed FIFA in an increasingly uncomfortable position. According to reporting by multiple international outlets, the United States later carried out airstrikes in Venezuela and detained President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
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Trump has also publicly floated the idea of invading Greenland on security grounds and has threatened trade tariffs against European countries opposing such a move. In Germany, senior political figures have discussed the possibility of withdrawing from the World Cup should diplomatic tensions escalate further.
These developments have heightened concerns about whether the tournament can remain insulated from international politics.
Internal reaction inside FIFA
According to The Guardian, a FIFA source said that internal unease over the peace prize has evolved into what was described as “deep embarrassment.” Several officials reportedly questioned both the timing and symbolism of the award.
One senior FIFA figure told the newspaper that staging a World Cup in the United States under such circumstances would be “very delicate” and “difficult,” both in the lead up to the tournament and during the competition itself.
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Despite these private concerns, FIFA has publicly stood by its decision and declined to comment on what it has labelled hearsay.
FIFA defends its position
In response to criticism, a FIFA spokesperson reiterated the organisation’s support for the award. “FIFA strongly supports its annual peace prize, an award to recognise exceptional actions for peace and unity,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson also pointed to the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, noting that its recipient, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, had chosen to give her medal to Trump.
FIFA has continued to emphasise its working relationships with the United States, Canada and Mexico, the three co hosts of the expanded 48 team World Cup.
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Keeping football separate from politics
Some figures within the organisation are attempting to distance themselves from the political fallout. One official told reporters that engaging in the surrounding debate was not part of their role.
“Involving myself in the politics surrounding this World Cup is something I stay far away from,” the individual said. “My job concerns football on the pitch and nothing else.”
Trump, for his part, described the peace prize as “truly one of the great honours” of his life, coming months after he failed in a separate bid for the Nobel Peace Prize.
A tournament under growing scrutiny
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Russia remains banned from participation due to its invasion of Ukraine, while other nations have openly discussed potential boycotts.
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Germany has described withdrawal as a last resort, while Spain has also faced questions over unrelated geopolitical disputes.
In February 2025, Infantino stressed FIFA’s desire to include all nations and underlined the importance of relations with the US president. According to Sky News, he said, “I think it is absolutely crucial for the success of a World Cup to have a close relationship with the president.”
As preparations continue, FIFA finds itself balancing its commitment to football with the realities of global politics, a tension that shows no sign of easing.
Sources: The Guardian, Sky News
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