FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The award, introduced by FIFA without prior approval from its board or Congress, is intended to honor individuals who have taken exceptional actions for peace and unity. The process behind the prize's creation and selection has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency, with no nominees or criteria publicly announced, and FIFA spokespeople declining to clarify how the winner was chosen. Infantino, a close friend of Trump, has publicly praised him and defended his record, while human rights organizations have questioned the legitimacy of the award. The event also featured Trump meeting with leaders from Mexico and Canada, highlighting the geopolitical significance of the World Cup and Trump's ongoing involvement in international affairs.