FIFA President, Infantino Defends Awarding FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, Dismisses World Cup Boycott Calls
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended his decision to award United States President Donald Trump a FIFA peace prize, dismissing criticism over the move and rejecting calls for a boycott of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Infantino came under heavy scrutiny after presenting Trump with the honour during the 2026 World Cup draw held in Washington, DC, in December. The award sparked backlash amid renewed controversy surrounding US foreign policy decisions and Trump’s comments on global security.
However, speaking to Sky News on Monday, February 2, Infantino stood by the decision, insisting the US president deserved FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.
“Objectively, he deserves it,” Infantino said. “Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it. For some time, we have been thinking about rewarding people who contribute in this direction.”
The FIFA president also dismissed suggestions that the 2026 World Cup—scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19—could be boycotted over policies linked to the Trump administration.
He argued that political disagreements have never led to widespread commercial boycotts of countries and questioned why football should be treated differently.
“In our divided and aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come together and meet around a shared passion,” Infantino said.
Responding to concerns over unrest in parts of the United States related to immigration enforcement, Infantino maintained that football should serve as a unifying force rather than a platform for political division.
He also revealed that FIFA would need to hold discussions on the possible return of Russia to international football competitions. Russia has been suspended since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, although recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee has encouraged sports federations to allow Russian teams to participate at youth level.
“We have to look at readmitting Russia. Definitely,” Infantino said. “This ban has not achieved anything. It has only created more frustration and hatred. Allowing girls and boys from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe would help.”
The comments add to ongoing debates over the intersection of politics and global sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
