Washington, 5 December 2025 (dpa/MIA) - United States President Donald Trump has named first recipiant of a Peace Prize by global football body FIFA.

Trump received the prize during Friday's draw in Washington for the 2026 World Cup which the United States hosts together with Mexico and Canada.

FIFA said the annual prize is to go to "individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace."

Trump received a medal and a golden trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his efforts to end conflicts around the world.

"It is truely one of the greatest honours of my life," Trump said.

"The world is a safer place now. The USA was not doing well a year ago, now we are the hottest country in the world right now."

Critics have said that Infantino has created the award especially for Trump with whom hE has been close for years, had suggested him for the Nobel Peace Prize and praised for his peace efforts in the Gaza and Ukraine wars.

They said there has been no transparent selection process, no nominees, no jury and the decision making FIFA Council was seemingly not involved either.

A joint statement from rights groups quoted by the Press Association said: “Awarding this prize against a backdrop of escalating attacks on human rights and civil freedoms – including violent detentions of immigrants, crackdowns on freedom of expression, and the militarisation of US cities – underscores the increasing likelihood of the 2026 World Cup being weaponised for authoritarian aims.”

Shortly before the draw ceremony, Trump withdrew threats to strip US cities from hosting matches if they didn't meet his security measure plans but suggested he would take other action if he felt there was a treat.

"No, I don't want to do that," Trump said. "We can solve that problem. I have proven that in DC and everywhere else we went."