Donald Trump awarded new FIFA peace prize at World Cup ceremony

A record 48 teams will take part in next year’s FIFA World Cup tournament which will be played across the US, Mexico and Canada.

Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA. Picture: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Donald Trump has FIFA’s new peace prize, which is to “recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations.”

The award was presented at the ceremony in Washington for the draw for 2026 World Cup tournament, which the United States will co-host with Mexico and Canada.

A record 48 teams will take part in next year’s tournament which will be played across the US, Mexico and Canada.

Hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and model Heidi Klum, hosted the draw ceremony which was a star-studded event featuring performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.

Bocelli kicked off the draw ceremony with a rendition of Nessun Dorma — which actually has a connection to the World Cup because of its use as theme music by the BBC for the 1990 tournament in Italy — and was expected to give another performance for Mr Trump at the White House later Friday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave Mr Trump a large gold-coloured trophy and a gold-coloured medal hanging from a blue ribbon, which Mr Trump hung around his neck.

“This is truly one of the great honors of my life,” Mr Trump said, saying the world was a safer place since he became president again.

Model Heidi Klum watches as Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni returns the World Cup trophy to the stage during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup. Picture: Mandel Ngan via AP

“The USA was not doing well a year ago, now we are the hottest country in the world right now,” he said.

Mr Trump was expected to meet with Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney after the event to talk trade.

“We are going to meet with both and we are getting along very well,” Mr Trump said of, who are co-hosting next year’s World Cup.

Saturday morning’s draw will decide who the Socceroos will play in the group stage of next year’s tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino says there would be 7 million people in the stadiums and 6 billion watching from home.

“FIFA is the official happiness provider for humanity,” he said.

AP, AFP

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