President praises global unity and peace efforts in emotional acceptance speech at Kennedy Center.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump received the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize on Friday during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., marking a milestone moment in the international sports organization’s history.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the award before the draw, introducing Trump as “the very first winner of the FIFA Peace Prize, the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America.” The honor, Infantino said, recognizes “a distinguished individual who exemplifies an unwavering commitment to advancing peace and unity throughout the world through notable leadership and action.”
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The audience erupted in applause as Trump took the stage to accept the award, calling it “truly one of the great honors of my life.”
“We saved millions and millions of lives,” Trump said. “The Congo, as an example, over 10 million people killed, and it was heading for another 10 million very quickly. India, Pakistan, so many different wars that we were able to end—some before they even started. It was going to be late, but we got them done.”
Trump also praised Infantino’s leadership and the record-breaking ticket sales for next year’s global tournament. “You’ve done such an incredible job,” he told the FIFA president. “You set new records on ticket sales—beyond what anyone thought was possible. It’s an awfully nice tribute to you and to the game of football, or as we call it, soccer.”
The president thanked First Lady Melania Trump, who attended the ceremony with him, as well as leaders from Canada and Mexico for their collaboration ahead of the World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by all three nations.
“We’ve worked closely with those two countries. The coordination and friendship have been outstanding,” Trump said. “The world is a safer place now. The United States, one year ago, was not doing too well, and now I have to say we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world—and we’re going to keep it that way.”
The Kennedy Center audience rose in a standing ovation as Infantino congratulated Trump, describing him as a “global leader for peace through sport.”
The event also marked the official draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches across host cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is expected to set new records for attendance and global viewership.
Trump’s receipt of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize follows his earlier nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize, which he did not receive—making Friday’s honor, as he said, “a truly special and meaningful recognition.”
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