In an era marked by political divisions and global unrest, football, the world’s most beloved game, is stepping up to play a new role beyond sport. On Wednesday, FIFA officially announced the creation of the FIFA Peace Prize, an annual award that will recognize “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” undertaken through football. The first-ever Peace Prize will be presented next month at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw, to be held on December 5, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. 

The event will also determine the group stage fixtures for the upcoming World Cup, which will feature 48 teams competing across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With the introduction of this award, FIFA aims to cement football’s position as not just a game, but a universal language of peace and unity.

Football Unites the World—The Spirit Behind the Prize

The new initiative falls under FIFA’s global campaign, “Football Unites the World,” which emphasizes the sport’s ability to bring people together regardless of nationality, race, or belief. “In an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognize the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the announcement. 

“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.” This statement reflects FIFA’s growing intent to use football’s global reach for social good, echoing the idea that the world’s most popular sport can also be its most powerful peace movement.

A Symbolic Launch Amid a Divided World

The announcement of the Peace Prize comes at a time when global headlines are filled with stories of conflict, division, and humanitarian crises. From war zones to refugee camps, football often emerges as a rare common ground—a shared joy that transcends language and borders. By launching the FIFA Peace Prize at a high-profile event like the World Cup draw, FIFA hopes to shine an international spotlight on individuals who have turned the sport into a tool for healing and unity.  Infantino emphasized that this award is not just symbolic but practical, saying it will “reward people who use football to bridge divides and bring communities together.”

The Stage: Washington, D.C., December 5

The first presentation of the FIFA Peace Prize will take place at one of the most prestigious cultural venues in the United States—the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. During this event, 48 national teams will learn their group-stage opponents for the 2026 World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The ceremony will also feature the debut of this new award, giving it global attention before billions of football fans.  

FIFA has not yet revealed who will present or receive the first Peace Prize, keeping the details secret for the grand reveal in December. Infantino hinted, “You will see,” suggesting a surprise announcement at the event.

The Bigger Picture: Football Beyond Goals

By establishing this prize, FIFA is sending a powerful message to the global community that football is more than just entertainment or competition. It’s a cultural force for empathy and understanding. As billions of fans gear up for the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 104 matches across North America, the FIFA Peace Prize will remind the world that sport’s greatest victory isn’t a trophy—it’s human connection. The introduction of the FIFA Peace Prize marks a defining moment for global football. In a world often divided by politics and conflict, this initiative reaffirms what the sport has always stood for: hope, unity, and humanity. When the award is presented in Washington this December, it won’t just celebrate one individual; it will celebrate the idea that peace, like football, belongs to everyone.