Former President Donald Trump has once again turned his attention to international accolades, this time hinting at a desire to join the ranks of Nobel Peace Prize laureates. “I think I could do a lot for peace,” he remarked at a recent rally, sparking both curiosity and skepticism among political analysts.
In a parallel move, Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has been actively cultivating a friendly relationship with Trump. The soccer federation’s top official believes that a warm rapport with the former U.S. leader could smooth the path for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
During a private ceremony at the FIFA headquarters, Infantino presented Trump with a newly created accolade dubbed the “FIFA Peace Award.”i> The trophy, a golden globe perched on a laurel wreath, was meant to symbolize the unifying power of sport. Trump accepted the award with a broad grin, calling it “a tremendous honor” and promising to “support soccer’s growth in America.”
The gesture is more than a simple handshake. By aligning himself with a former U.S. president who commands a sizable following, FIFA hopes to secure political goodwill, streamline visa processes for fans, and ensure robust ticket sales for the 2026 tournament. “We want the World Cup to be a celebration that transcends politics,” Infantino said, though critics argue the timing is politically motivated.
Reactions have been mixed. Some soccer fans applaud the move, seeing it as a clever way to boost the sport’s profile in the United States. Others view it as a cynical exploitation of a political figure for commercial gain. Meanwhile, Nobel Committee members remain silent on Trump’s aspirations, reminding the public that the prize “recognizes extraordinary contributions to peace, not self‑promotion.”
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, both Trump and Infantino appear eager to capitalize on each other’s influence. Whether the FIFA Peace Award will become a lasting symbol of sports diplomacy or fade into obscurity remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the intersection of politics and sport is once again front and center on the global stage.