FIFA has announced the “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” a new annual award recognising individuals for their unwavering commitment to peace and unity. The first recipient will be honoured on 5 December 2025 in Washington DC.

FIFA has announced the introduction of the “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” a new award that will honor individuals for their unwavering commtiment and special actions for peace and unity. The prize will be bestowed on an annual basis. The first winner of the FIFA Peace Prize will receive the award from FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, on Dec. 5, 2025, on the occasion of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Washington DC.

Why it matters

The launch of this prize reinforces FIFA’s positioning of football as a global unifying force and soft-power instrument. For the sporting goods industry, it signals continued investment in values-driven narratives that resonate with sponsors, broadcasters and consumers increasingly focused on social impact. The timing—ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the first edition hosted across three nations—amplifies the message of cross-border collaboration.

FIFA’s perspective

“Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World will recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations,” said Infantino.

What’s next

The inaugural award ceremony will take place during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw in Washington DC, setting the stage for an annual tradition that aligns football’s global reach with peacebuilding efforts.