World football governing body FIFA has introduced a new global honour, the FIFA Peace Prize, which will be presented annually to individuals or groups using football to promote peace and unity.
The award will be presented for the first time during the official draw of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on December 5 in Washington, D.C., according to a statement released by FIFA on Wednesday.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the initiative reflects the role of football as a unifying force capable of breaking social barriers.
“Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize — Football Unites the World — will recognize the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations,” Infantino said.
Speculation Surrounds First Recipient
While FIFA did not reveal who will receive the inaugural prize, the announcement has already generated global attention. The launch comes ahead of Infantino’s appearance at the America Business Forum in Miami, an event featuring several high-profile speakers including U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine football star Lionel Messi.
The United States is playing a central role in the World Cup preparations. In August, Trump and Infantino jointly confirmed from the Oval Office that the tournament draw would be hosted at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington. Trump is expected to attend the ceremony.
A Prize Linked to Global Influence
The creation of the award comes at a time when global tensions are rising, and FIFA has been positioning football as a platform for conflict resolution, social development, and diplomacy.
The FIFA Peace Prize adds to the organisation’s expanded social responsibility agenda under the banner, Football Unites the World — a campaign launched ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 teams and hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
FIFA is expected to announce more details about the criteria and selection process for the Peace Prize in the coming weeks.
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