FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended his controversial decision to award United States President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw, saying he believed President Trump deserved the honour for actions seen as contributing to peace.

Infantino said he thought Trump’s efforts were worthy of recognition and that football should acknowledge those who help promote peace globally, adding that opportunities for people to come together through the sport were important in a divided world.

He also dismissed suggestions that the peace prize should prompt a boycott of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, noting that there were no widespread calls for business boycotts of countries over policy disputes and questioning why football should be singled out.

Infantino’s remarks, made in an interview with Sky News, came amid broader debates about politics and sport, including his stance on Russia’s ban from international football, which he said should be re‑examined with a view to ending bans and boycotts that he feels fuel frustration and hatred.

He suggested Russia could be readmitted at various levels of competition despite the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, arguing that inclusive sporting participation can help foster unity a view that has drawn criticism internationally.