FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended his decision to award a peace prize to United States President Donald Trump, brushing aside criticism and rejecting suggestions that the upcoming World Cup could face a boycott.
Infantino came under fire after presenting Trump with the honour on behalf of FIFA during the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, DC, in December. The move drew renewed scrutiny amid debate over US foreign policy and Trump’s remarks on global security.
Speaking to Sky News on Monday, February 2, Infantino said the award was warranted and described Trump as a fitting recipient of 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.”
He also dismissed calls for a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Infantino argued that political disagreements have not traditionally led to commercial boycotts 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,” he said.
Addressing protests in parts of the United States linked to immigration enforcement, Infantino maintained that football should serve as a unifying force rather than a political battleground.
The FIFA president also said discussions would be needed on Russia’s potential return to international football. Russia has been banned since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee has encouraged sports federations to allow Russian teams to compete 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.”