In a world where there’s a lot of division and conflict, the global soccer organization FIFA is stepping into the spotlight with something new — a brand-new award called the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World. What a name, right? It’s all about celebrating individuals who use the power of football (or soccer) to bring people together, promote peace, and create hope. The first time this prize will be awarded is during the draw for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is taking place in December in Washington, D.C.
Why did FIFA decide to create this prize?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino explained that in “an increasingly unsettled and divided world, it’s fundamental to recognise the outstanding contribution of those who work hard to end conflicts and bring people together in a spirit of peace.”In other words: They believe football isn’t just about scoring goals and winning trophies — it can also be a tool for unity, for helping people of different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities connect.
What are the details of the prize?
The official name: FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World.
It will be awarded annually (every year) to “individuals who, through their unwavering commitment and their special actions, have helped to unite people all over the world in peace.”
The very first time: Friday, 5 December 2025, during the Final Draw event of the 2026 World Cup in Washington, D.C.
It is being presented on behalf of “all football-loving people from all around the world” — which FIFA says is over five billion people.
What’s the connection to the World Cup and why is this important for soccer?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is going to be historic: it will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with 48 teams participating, and a record number of matches.
By tying the Peace Prize to the World Cup draw, FIFA is sending a message: with the world’s biggest football event coming up, they want peace and unity to go hand-in-hand with football.
Also, the sport connects billions of fans across cultures and continents — so a prize like this uses football’s popularity to highlight positive social impact.
Some soccer facts to sprinkle in:
The FIFA World Cup is the biggest international football tournament in the world. The 2026 edition will be the first with 48 teams (increased from 32).
Football has often been a tool for bringing people together — whether in local communities, or in international matches where fans from many countries come together.
Although football can’t solve all the world’s problems, FIFA itself admits that the sport “cannot solve conflict” but it “can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
A little bit of context & things to think about
The announcement comes at a time when global sports organisations are under pressure to show they care about more than just the game — they care about society, peace and human values.
Some media outlets have pointed out the timing and possible political overtones of the prize—since, for example, the prize is to be awarded during a high-profile event in Washington, D.C., and there are links between FIFA’s leadership and U.S. political figures.
Whatever happens, the idea is clear: using football’s massive global audience and influence to promote something bigger than sport alone.
Why this matters for young fans and for the world
For middle schoolers (and everyone else), this is cool because it shows how football is more than just a game:
When you think about players, fans, teams — they come from all kinds of countries, cultures, languages. Football gives a common language.
Awards like this can highlight role models — people who use their platform to help communities, spread peace, build bridges.
It’s a reminder that being part of sports can mean responsibility: being respectful, inclusive, and aware of our wider impact.
For fans, thinking: “Hey, when I cheer for my team or play with friends, I’m part of something bigger — people, countries, cultures, all connected.”
What we’ll want to watch for next
Who will be the first winner of this Peace Prize? FIFA hasn’t named the person yet.
How will FIFA select the winner? What criteria will they use?
How will this prize be managed and how will it be viewed by the football world and global community?
Will the prize drive more initiatives in football for peace, community building, education, equality in sports?
What impact will this have on the upcoming 2026 World Cup — will we see more unity messages, more global cooperation around the tournament?
So that’s the story in friendly middle-school language: FIFA is launching a new Peace Prize called the “Football Unites the World” prize. It’s going to celebrate people who use football to bring people together and promote peace. The first award will happen in December at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. It links the world of sport with the world of real-life issues, and shows that football isn’t just about goals and wins — but can also be about hope, unity and positive change.