In addition to the main event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino will also roll out a new trinket in the form of the brand new ‘Peace Prize’.
The bromance between US President Donald Trump and Infantino means Trump is expected to attend the Peace Prize draw and presentation, although FIFA has not said whether he is in the running for the honour.
The two were unusually close as the 2026 World Cup raced down the catwalk, sharing podiums, photo ops and plenty of mutual admiration. And now suddenly, like a magic trick from David Copperfield, Infantino announces FIFA’s first-ever peace prize in its 121-year history, created to “reward individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace.”
In 1994, FIFA brought the draw show to the most appropriate American venue: Las Vegas. Originally, ‘Sin City’ was intended for a repeat performance until it was suddenly taken off the table and replaced by the Kennedy Center in Washington DC.
Either way, with FIFA setting up shop for free in one of America’s most important cultural venues, the production feels less like a football celebration and more like political maneuvering, especially given Trump’s use of the Kennedy Center for his alleged culture wars.
Contact the author of this story at force.l1763082916laboratory1763082916ofdlr1763082916are1763082916sni@r1763082916etc1763082916w.kci1763082916N1763082916
#FIFA #Kennedy #Center #FOC #draw #ceremony #World #Football