Gianni Infantino to award FIFA’s inaugural peace prize at Washington’s World Cup 2026 draw

Gianni Infantino will present the inaugural ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ at the draw for the 2026 World Cup, football’s world governing body has announced.

The award is designed to acknowledge “individuals who have helped to unite people all over the world in peace” with the winner to be crowned at the draw in Washington D.C. on December 5.

“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 was quoted as saying as part of a FIFA statement.

“Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize — Football Unites the World will recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations.”

In its statement, FIFA said the award would recognise individuals “who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world…and consequently deserve a special and unique recognition”.

The announcement of the award comes as Infantino prepares for an unrelated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the America Business Forum in Miami, Florida on Wednesday.

Trump is preparing to mark the anniversary of his reelection with a speech to the forum of business leaders and global athletes about what he sees as his economic achievements, while Infantino is also scheduled to give an address on Wednesday.

Infantino has increasingly positioned himself as a champion of peace, using a speech in September to call for “peace in the world” and saying the scenes in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan reduced him to tears.

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