It was a moment so far beyond parody or satire that it was impossible to laugh. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump turned the 2026 World Cup draw, held in Washington, DC on Friday, December 4, into a spectacle for their own glorification.
More than the make-up of the tournament’s 12 groups, what stood out was Infantino presenting Trump with a “peace prize” – a staggering display of servility from the head of world football toward a head of state. On social media, Infantino wrote that Trump was being awarded “for his unwavering commitment to advancing peace and unity throughout the world through his notable leadership and action.”
The two have long advertised their friendship, which can be measured by the number of times Infantino has visited the Oval Office – each visit marked by scenes of flattery or farce. Despotism is always tinged with absurdity.
From Putin to bin Salman
“[Donald Trump] does what he says. He says what he thinks. He actually says what many people think as well, but maybe don’t dare to say and that’s why he’s so successful (…) So I think we should all support what he’s doing because I think it’s looking pretty good,” Infantino said on November 6. He again flouted FIFA’s required neutrality – enshrined in its statutes, which also prohibit all forms of discrimination – in stark contrast to Trump’s political agenda.
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