Before the 48 teams were drawn into groups for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, US President Donald Trump was invited onto the stage to receive a trophy.
“This is your peace prize,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “There is also a beautiful medal for you that you can wear wherever you want to go.”
As Trump reached for the ribbon and poked his head through its loop, FIFA’s words of praise were still ringing in his ears.
“We honor a dynamic leader who has engaged in diplomatic efforts that created opportunities for dialogue and de-escalation and stability,” said the narrator of a four-minute video celebrating the first recipient of FIFA’s brand-new honor.