In a bizarre mix of geopolitics and world soccer, US President Donald Trump has been awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in the much-awaited draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.
The ceremony, held at a star-studded gala in the nation’s capital, began with an operatic feel, with a rendition of “Nessun Dorma” by Andrea Bocelli, but quickly took a turn for the strange when President Trump literally took center stage and accepted the honor from his close ally, FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
President Trump takes home his own World Cup trophy
“This award recognizes the extraordinary efforts you are making in fighting for peace. That’s what we look for in our leaders,” Infantino declared, smiling broadly under the spotlight as President Trump took to the stage. “Mr. President, you deserve this award for your achievements. You did it, albeit in your own way. You will always have the support of me and the entire football community.”
Mr. Trump is not a person to be underestimated, and he brightened up the mood with his enthusiastic self-congratulations. “This is one of the greatest honors of my life,” he declared, taking credit for averting conflicts around the world. “In Congo, India and Afghanistan, we’ve saved thousands of lives. We’ve stopped wars before they started. It’s a great honor to be with you, Gianni. I want to thank my family, all shoulder to shoulder with Canada and Mexico. I think great things will happen if we make adjustments. Our relationship is special. Thank you to everyone who made the world a safer place. A year ago, we weren’t the country we are today, thank you for your leadership. ”
The honor comes just weeks after President Trump narrowly missed out on the publicly despised Nobel Peace Prize. FIFA’s new Peace Prize, awarded for the first time, was created especially for the occasion and reveals the depth of Infantino’s long-standing friendship with the American leader. As President Trump returned to his seat clutching his trophy like a schoolboy who had been kicked out of the last sports day, the night shifted gears to the main event and why everyone was paying attention: the announcement of the 12 groups for the expanded 48-team tournament scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Who will play against whom in the World Cup?
The hosts snatched away their early glory with a draw. Landing in Mexico Group A Along with South Korea, Canada pulled in Switzerland Group B. USA will play Australia as co-hosts Group Dpromised a trans-Pacific showdown in their home country. Powerful countries like Brazil (Group C Morocco) and Germany (Group E While the initial nightmare (with Ecuador) was averted, the intrigue deepened elsewhere.
Spain, fresh from winning Euro 2024 under coach Luis de la Fuente, managed to win. Group H: Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde. ‘La Roja’ will make his debut against the Uruguayans, led by Real Madrid star Federico Valverde. But the real drama happens in the knockout stages. Depending on seeding and results, Spain could face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the round of 32. Group J (Argentina, Austria).
France, led by Kylian Mbappé, will face Senegal. Group I meanwhile Group F The Netherlands and Japan will face off in a rematch of their dramatic 2022 encounter. Belgium (Group G Iran) and Portugal (Group K While enjoying a deep run (with Colombia), England will play Croatia in Group L. Salute to the epic semi-finals of 2018.
Hosts Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart kept the energy pumping as they joked with Infantino, who opened the proceedings by calling FIFA the “official purveyor of happiness to humanity.” The red carpet was packed with dignitaries ranging from soccer legends to Hollywood A-listers, but Trump’s award overshadowed the proceedings, causing him to fall off his chair and vow online to never drink again.
