FIFA establishes annual Peace Prize; Infantino to present inaugural award in Washington on December 5
FIFA announced the creation of the annual Fifa Peace Prize, which President Gianni Infantino will present at the World Cup draw in Washington D.C. on December 5.
November 5, 2025 - 01:53 PM ET • 2 min read
Football's world governing body, FIFA, announced Wednesday the creation of a new annual award, the Fifa Peace Prize, which will recognize individuals who have taken "exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to present the inaugural award at the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Washington D.C. on December 5. The organization stated that the prize, titled the Fifa Peace Prize — Football Unites the World, will be bestowed annually "on behalf of fans from all around the world."
The award is designed to acknowledge individuals who have helped to unite people globally and work toward ending conflicts.
"In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it's fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace," Infantino said in a statement released by FIFA. "Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize... will recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations."
The announcement of the new award comes as Infantino, who has cultivated a close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, prepares to present the prize. The creation of the award follows Trump being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize last month, despite lobbying efforts from his allies and various world leaders.
Infantino and Trump were both scheduled to speak at an unrelated event in Miami on Wednesday. FIFA has recently strengthened its ties to the Trump family, including the appointment of his daughter, Ivanka Trump, to a board position within the organization.
The World Cup draw event in Washington D.C. will determine the initial groupings and schedule for the 2026 tournament, which is set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The presentation of the new peace prize will be a central feature of the draw ceremony.
FIFA did not immediately announce the criteria for selecting the recipient or the names of any nominees for the inaugural award.