Washington, D.C.: In an unexpected moment that blended global sport with international politics, U.S. President Donald Trump was presented with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize on Friday during the official draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event, held at the prestigious John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., brought together world football officials, diplomats, athletes, and entertainers for a high-profile evening marking the countdown to the expanded 48-team tournament.
Trump arrived on the green carpet to loud applause, greeting guests with his trademark smile before stepping inside for the draw. FIFA President Gianni Infantino awarded him the newly instituted honour, commending what he described as the President’s “efforts in fostering dialogue during a period of international friction” — a gesture that immediately sparked global discussion.
Calling the award “one of the great honours of my life,” Trump thanked FIFA and emphasised the power of sport as a “bridge between nations.”
Chaotic Start Amid Tight Security
The evening began on a bumpy note, as hundreds of accredited journalists were left standing in long queues outside the venue. With heightened security protocols in place, sniffer dogs and multiple layers of screening caused significant delays, leaving reporters waiting in freezing conditions before being allowed in. Several media crews expressed frustration, noting that logistics had been unusually stringent even by FIFA event standards.
A Grand Opening Before the Draw
Inside the auditorium, the ceremony began at 17:00 GMT with an hour-long pre-draw show. The programme opened with a stirring performance by renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli, who delivered a powerful rendition of Nessun Dorma, instantly evoking nostalgia for the Italia ’90 World Cup. Later in the show, the iconic group Village People performed, adding an upbeat touch to the festivities as Trump was seen briefly dancing along to the music.
A New Format for a Bigger World Cup
The draw marked a major milestone ahead of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Under the revised tournament format, the participating nations — including six teams that will qualify through playoffs — were placed into 12 groups of four.
A new seeding structure has been introduced to ensure that the top four footballing nations in the world — Spain, Argentina, France, and England — cannot face each other until the semi-finals, provided they top their respective groups. FIFA officials said the system aims to maintain competitive balance across the expanded field.
The 2026 edition will feature an unprecedented 104 matches across 16 host cities, marking the biggest and most geographically diverse World Cup in the tournament’s history.
