FIFA unveils fresh peace honour to launch at 2026 World Cup ceremony in Washington

FIFA has launched a yearly distinction named the FIFA Peace Prize, set to debut at the 2026 World Cup ceremony in Washington, according to the international football authority on Wednesday.

"Football embodies peace, and representing the whole worldwide football family, the FIFA Peace Prize, Football Unites the World, will celebrate the remarkable work of those people who bring folks together, offering optimism for coming generations," declared FIFA leader Gianni Infantino in an official release.

This news preceded Infantinos participation in the America Business Forum held in Miami, featuring speeches from United States President Donald Trump and Argentinian World Cup victor Lionel Messi.

Details on the first recipient remain undisclosed, yet speculation quickly arose that it might honour Trump, a close associate of Infantino, anticipated to attend the draw on December 5 at the Kennedy Center located in the American capital.

Accompanied by Infantino, Trump revealed from the Oval Office back in August the decision to host the draw at the Kennedy Center, a venue where he recently assumed the role of chairman in his campaign against what he terms "woke" influences.

Upon resuming his second term in January, Trump has repeatedly claimed entitlement to the Nobel Peace Prize owing to his contributions in settling various global disputes.

However, the United States leader faced rejection from the Norwegian Nobel Committee just last month when they granted the honour to Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado.

The 2026 World Cup is jointly organised by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19.