Gianni Infantino defends FIFA Peace Prize for Donald Trump amid backlash

February 04, 2026 • 0 • min read

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Gianni Infantino defends FIFA Peace Prize for Donald Trump amid backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly defended the decision to award the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to former US President Donald Trump, brushing off widespread criticism and calls for the accolade to be rescinded.

The award was announced during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. last December, recognising Trump for what FIFA described as his "tireless efforts to promote peace."

At the event, Infantino lauded Trump as "a leader that cares about the people" and emphasised FIFA's belief in the power of football to bring unity and global harmony.

However, the decision triggered significant backlash.

Backlash over Trump's award

Critics argued that Trump's policies, particularly his administration's immigration enforcement actions - including those linked to the deaths of US citizens Renee Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti - make him an unsuitable recipient of a peace prize.

Tensions mounted further following a series of US airstrikes in Venezuela and the political unrest surrounding the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

These developments led many commentators and football supporters to describe the Peace Prize as undermined, with renewed calls for FIFA to either revoke the award or abolish the prize altogether.

Despite these objections, FIFA has confirmed that the Peace Prize will continue as an annual honour.

Infantino doubles down in new interview

In a recent interview with Sky News' Yalda Hakim, Infantino was again pressed on FIFA's controversial decision.

Unwavering, he insisted that Trump remains a deserving recipient of the prize.

Infantino highlighted Trump's role in helping secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Objectively, he deserves it. He was instrumental in resolving conflicts and saving lives and saving thousands of lives.

It's not just Gianni Infantino who said it... [there's] a Nobel Peace Prize winner who said this.

World Cup trophy presentation

In addition to defending the Peace Prize, Infantino announced that he and Trump will jointly present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the champions of this summer's tournament on 19 July 2026.

This trophy will be handed out on the 19th of July to the captain of the team who will win the World Cup.

I will give it together with the President of the United States, the host country. Nobody can touch this trophy.

Broader context and reactions

The controversy surrounding the award comes at a unique moment for world football.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has already sparked debate, including discussions about potential boycotts from some nations due to US political issues.

However, Infantino has argued that sport must remain a platform for bringing people together in an increasingly divided world.

I think, in our divided world, in our aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come, can meet around the passion [for football].

Despite strong reactions both in the sporting world and beyond, FIFA's leadership currently appears committed to maintaining the Peace Prize initiative and upholding the award to Trump.

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