FIFA Launches Annual Peace Prize to Honour Champions of Unity

FIFA has announced a new annual award titled the FIFA Peace Prize, which will be presented to its first recipient during the 2026 World Cup finals draw in Washington, D.C. next month. The governing body of world football made the announcement on Wednesday.

Dubbed the “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” the award aims to recognise individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.

“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,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Infantino added that football stands for peace, and through this award, FIFA seeks to honour those who unite people and inspire hope for future generations.

The 2026 World Cup draw is scheduled for December 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., where 48 teams will learn their group stage opponents.

During preparations for the draw, U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed pride in hosting the event.

“We are uniting the world, Mr President, uniting the world, here in America, and we are very proud of that,” Infantino remarked while allowing Trump to hold the World Cup trophy.

Trump, who had lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year, had criticised the Nobel Committee’s decision to award it to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado last month.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, featuring a record 104 matches across 16 host cities.

— Reuters

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