The Pax FIFA: The Convergence of Sovereign Ego, Geopolitical Transactionalism, and the Invention of the FIFA Peace Prize
1. Introduction: The Kennedy Center Consensus
On the evening of December 5, 2025, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., became the epicenter of a profound shift in the architecture of international sports diplomacy. The event was ostensibly the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026—a procedural ceremony to determine the group stage matchups for the upcoming tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, the proceedings were commandeered by a moment of political theater that transcended the boundaries of sport. Gianni Infantino, the President of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), bestowed the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" upon the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.1
This ceremony represented a decisive rupture in the traditional cordon sanitaire between global sporting governance and partisan politics. While the intersection of football and statecraft is historic, the creation of a specific "Peace Prize" for a sitting head of state—delivered with the pomp usually reserved for global treaty signings—marked the institutionalization of a new diplomatic paradigm. FIFA, an organization historically governed by statutes demanding strict neutrality (Article 15 of the FIFA Statutes), had effectively transformed itself into a geopolitical arbiter, minting its own currency of legitimacy to trade with the leader of the world's most powerful economy.3
The award, a gold trophy depicting hands cradling the globe, and an accompanying medal which Infantino urged the President to "wear everywhere," was not merely a recognition of past actions.4 It was a tangible manifestation of the complex, symbiotic relationship between the governing body of the world's most popular sport and the administration of the host nation for its most lucrative tournament. The official citation credited President Trump with "exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity," specifically referencing the "Washington Accords" between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, and diplomatic maneuvers in the Levant.2 Yet, beneath the surface of these citations lies a labyrinth of personal ambition, administrative opacity, and the high-stakes economics of the 2026 World Cup.
This report provides an exhaustive analysis of this watershed moment. It dissects the "How"—the opaque bureaucratic mechanisms, including the role of controversial intermediaries like Myanmar's Zaw Zaw, that allowed for the prize's sudden creation. It explores the "Why"—contrasting the stated diplomatic achievements with the underlying imperatives of ensuring a frictionless World Cup in a polarized American political landscape. Finally, it answers the question of precedent, situating this event within the lineage of FIFA’s historical honors, specifically the now-defunct Order of Merit, to determine whether this was a restoration of tradition or a radical departure.
2. The Mechanics of Manufacture: How the Prize Was Created
To understand the significance of the award, one must first deconstruct the machinery of its inception. Unlike established international honors, such as the Nobel Peace Prize or the Charlemagne Prize, which operate under entrenched statutes, independent committees, and public nomination cycles, the FIFA Peace Prize appears to have been engineered specifically for the recipient and the moment.
2.1 The Crisis of the "Nobel Snub" and the Vacuum of Recognition
The genesis of the FIFA Peace Prize is inextricably linked to the events of October 2025. Donald Trump had openly and aggressively campaigned for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his administration's involvement in various global ceasefire initiatives.7 The expectation within the White House was palpable; the validation of the Norwegian Nobel Committee was seen as the ultimate rebuke to domestic critics and a cementation of his legacy as a global peacemaker.
However, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, for her struggle against authoritarianism.8 This "snub" created a vacuum of recognition. President Trump, characterized by a deep desire for institutional validation, was left without the global accolade he sought. Gianni Infantino, a shrewd operator in the halls of power, recognized this psychological and diplomatic deficit. Infantino had previously lobbied for Trump to receive the Nobel, stating publicly that he "deserved" it.9 When Oslo failed to deliver, Zurich stepped in.
The creation of the FIFA Peace Prize can be viewed as a "Counter-Nobel"—a bespoke honor designed to fill the void left by the Nobel Committee.10 By minting a new award, FIFA provided an alternative source of global legitimacy, one that was arguably more visually spectacular and media-friendly than the austere ceremonies of Oslo. The timing was precise: the award was presented just weeks after the Nobel announcement and mere days before the Nobel ceremony, effectively hijacking the news cycle.10
2.2 The Architecture of Opacity: The Selection Process
The process by which President Trump was selected remains shrouded in administrative opacity. In standard practice, international awards publish criteria, appoint independent juries, and release shortlists. The FIFA Peace Prize featured none of these transparency mechanisms.
Lack of Pre-existence: There is no record of the "FIFA Peace Prize" in FIFA's financial reports, statutory congress agendas, or strategic roadmaps prior to late 2025.9 The award appears to be an ad-hoc creation, an "invention of Gianni Infantino" designed to serve an immediate diplomatic utility.7
The "Social Responsibility" Committee: Investigations into the bureaucratic justification for the award point to FIFA's "Social Responsibility" committee.4 This body, ostensibly tasked with overseeing FIFA’s humanitarian footprint, was reportedly given the mandate to design the "process" for the award. However, reports indicate that the committee did not formally sit to deliberate on a list of candidates, nor was the FIFA Council—the organization's strategic supervisory body—fully briefed on the existence of the prize before the announcement.12
This centralization of decision-making suggests that the prize operates effectively as a presidential prerogative—a gift from the FIFA President rather than an institutional recognition from the world of football. This bypasses the checks and balances that were supposedly installed in FIFA following the corruption scandals of 2015, raising serious questions about the governance standards of the post-reform era.
2.3 The Controversial Architect: The Role of Zaw Zaw
Perhaps the most startling element of the "How" is the involvement of Zaw Zaw, the President of the Myanmar Football Federation, in the committee structure responsible for the award.11
Profile of Zaw Zaw:
Zaw Zaw is a Burmese tycoon and the chairman of the Max Myanmar Group. He is a polarizing figure in international relations. While he has reinvented himself as a football administrator and philanthropist within the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), his history is deeply entangled with the military junta of Myanmar.13
Sanctions History: Zaw Zaw was previously placed on the U.S. sanctions list (Specially Designated Nationals) by the Treasury Department due to his close ties to the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), the military regime that ruled Myanmar.14 He was accused of profiting from the junta's construction projects and providing them with financial support.
The Irony of the Architect: That a figure previously sanctioned by the United States for aiding a military dictatorship would be the key bureaucratic architect of a "Peace Prize" for a U.S. President is an irony of profound magnitude.11 It underscores the transactional nature of FIFA's internal politics, where regional powerbrokers like Zaw Zaw deliver the administrative votes and structures Infantino needs, in exchange for rehabilitation and influence on the global stage.
The "process" devised by a committee chaired by Zaw Zaw—a man familiar with the interplay of authoritarianism and commerce—was likely designed to be frictionless, ensuring that the award could be delivered to Trump without the interference of "ethical" objections that might arise from Western European football associations.11
2.4 The Ceremony as Validation Ritual
The presentation of the award at the Kennedy Center was not merely a handover; it was a ritual of validation. The Kennedy Center, a temple of American high culture, lent the event a gravitas that a mere press conference would lack.
The presence of Mark Carney (Prime Minister of Canada) and Claudia Sheinbaum (President of Mexico) was critical.5 By having the leaders of the other two host nations present, Infantino diluted the unilateral appearance of the award. It framed the prize not as a corrupt bargain between two men, but as a consensus decision of the North American geopolitical bloc. The visual of Trump standing with the leaders of Canada and Mexico, medal around his neck, projected an image of regional hegemony and stability—exactly the image the Trump administration sought to project.15
3. The Pretext of Peace: Analyzing the Official Justifications
FIFA’s official citation for the award rested on two pillars of diplomatic achievement: the resolution of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the progress toward peace in the Middle East. To evaluate the "Why," one must scrutinize the reality of these achievements and how they were packaged for the award.
3.1 The Washington Accords: The Great Lakes Pacification
The primary catalyst for the award was the signing of the "Washington Accords" between the DRC and Rwanda on December 4, 2025—conveniently, the day before the FIFA gala.2
The Conflict Landscape:
The conflict in Eastern DRC is a multi-generational tragedy, involving the M23 rebel group, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), and the armed forces of both nations. By late 2025, a resurgence of M23—widely alleged to be backed by Kigali—had displaced millions and threatened to ignite a regional war involving Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.16
The Deal's Substance:
The accord signed at the newly renamed "Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace" (formerly the U.S. Institute of Peace) was framed as a definitive end to hostilities.17
Economic Integration: The core of the deal was not just security, but economics. It established a framework for "regional economic integration" centered on the "critical minerals trade".18 This explicitly links the peace process to U.S. strategic interests in securing cobalt and rare earth elements essential for the technology and defense sectors, countering Chinese influence in the region.17
The Optics of Signing: The ceremony featured Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame. Reports indicate the atmosphere was frosty; the two leaders avoided eye contact and handshakes, prompting Trump to quip about "how much they love each other".19 Despite the palpable tension, the image of the signature was secured.
The "Peace" Reality:
While Trump claimed to have "saved millions of lives," reports from the ground indicated that fighting continued even as the leaders sat in Washington.17 The DRC accused Rwanda of violations within days.19 However, for FIFA's purposes, the durability of the peace was irrelevant; the event of the peace was sufficient. The Washington Accords provided a documentable diplomatic win that Infantino could wave as proof of Trump’s eligibility, shielding the prize from accusations of being purely meritless.
3.2 The Levant: The "Board of Peace" and Phase 2
The second justification involved the Israel-Palestine conflict. Following two years of devastating war in Gaza, the Trump administration had brokered a fragile ceasefire, which was transitioning to "Phase 2" in December 2025.20
The Governance Structure:
The snippet evidence reveals a highly controversial plan for the post-war governance of Gaza. A body known as the "Board of Peace" was proposed to oversee reconstruction and civil administration. Crucially, this board was to be chaired by Donald Trump himself.21 This detail is extraordinary—a sitting U.S. President formally chairing an international body governing a foreign territory.
The "Yellow Line":
The ceasefire architecture included a demarcation known as the "Yellow Line," dividing Gaza. Israeli military officials described this as a "new border," granting Israel operational control over significant portions of the strip.22 While Palestinians and human rights groups viewed this as de facto annexation, the Trump administration—and by extension, FIFA—framed it as "stabilization" and "peace."
FIFA's Endorsement:
By citing this conflict, FIFA explicitly endorsed the Trump administration's specific vision of Middle East peace—one prioritized on security architecture and top-down control (the "Board of Peace") rather than traditional two-state negotiations. Infantino’s citation that Trump "played a pivotal role in establishing a ceasefire" aligns FIFA politically with the specific terms of the U.S.-Israeli security arrangement.2
4. The Realpolitik of 2026: The Transactional "Why"
While the peace treaties provided the script, the motivation for the award was written in the ledger of the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is projected to be the most commercially successful in history, but its execution faces significant political hurdles that only the U.S. President can clear.
4.1 The Economics of the 48-Team Tournament
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, expanding the number of matches to 104. This expansion places immense strain on logistics, security, and infrastructure.23 The revenue target for FIFA is over $11 billion. To achieve this, the host nation must operate with flawless efficiency.
Visa and Border Policy: A primary concern for FIFA is the entry of fans from 48 nations, many of which may be on U.S. diplomatic watchlists. Trump’s rhetoric on immigration and "hardened" border policies poses a direct risk to the fan experience and commercial flow.8 FIFA needs a guarantee of a "World Cup Visa" regime that overrides standard strictures. The Peace Prize functions as a lubricant for these negotiations, flattering the "Gatekeeper" to ensure the gates remain open for ticket holders.
Security and Federal Resources: The security footprint for an event spanning 16 cities (from Seattle to Miami) is massive. It requires Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designation as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) of the highest order. Infantino needs the full, enthusiastic backing of the federal apparatus. By honoring the Commander-in-Chief, Infantino ensures that the World Cup is viewed by the White House not as a burden, but as a personal legacy project of the President.24
4.2 The Infantino-Trump Alliance: A Bromance of Power
The relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump is the axis upon which this award turns. It is a relationship defined by mutual admiration of strongman aesthetics and unilateral power.
The "Sportsman" Narrative: Infantino has publicly described Trump as having the "fiber" of an elite athlete.24 This flattery is calibrated to Trump’s self-image. Infantino has become a "frequent visitor" to the Oval Office, bypassing the traditional diplomatic channels of the U.S. Soccer Federation to deal directly with the executive.1
The Trump Tower Office: Symbolic of this closeness is FIFA's decision to establish an office inside Trump Tower in Manhattan.1 This is not merely a leasing agreement; it is a physical manifestation of alignment. Renting space in the President's private commercial property creates a direct financial link (however nominal relative to FIFA's budget) and a powerful symbolic association between the global football body and the Trump brand.
The Transaction: The award is the culmination of this courtship. Infantino gets his guarantees (visas, security, tax breaks); Trump gets his "Gold." The "Peace Prize" is the currency of this transaction—a high-value, low-cost asset that FIFA can print at will.
4.3 Sportswashing vs. Diplomacy
Critics argue this is "sportswashing"—using sport to launder the reputation of a political leader. However, the dynamic here is more complex. Trump does not need FIFA to launder his reputation in the way a pariah state might; he craves validation from global institutions to rival the "elites" who reject him (like the Nobel Committee). FIFA, conversely, seeks to "wash" its own reputation as a mere sports body by posturing as a serious geopolitical actor capable of recognizing peace. It is a mutual exchange of unearned credibility.
5. Precedent and Tradition: Has This Happened Before?
The user explicitly asks if this has ever happened before. The technical answer is "No," but the contextual answer is "Yes, but in a different guise."
5.1 The FIFA Peace Prize: A New Invention
There is no historical record of a "FIFA Peace Prize" being awarded prior to 2025. This specific title was invented for Donald Trump.10 This highlights the exceptionalism of the moment—FIFA altered its own honors system to accommodate the specific ego requirements of one individual.
5.2 The Precedent of the "Order of Merit"
While the name is new, the practice of honoring heads of state is deeply embedded in FIFA's history through the FIFA Order of Merit, which was awarded from 1984 to 2012.
Table 1: Comparative Analysis of FIFA Honors to Political Figures
Award
Recipient
Year
Context/Rationale
Comparison to Trump
FIFA Order of Merit
Nelson Mandela (South Africa)
1998
Unifying South Africa through sport; post-Apartheid reconciliation.25
Contrast: Mandela was honored for societal reconciliation deeply tied to sport. Trump is honored for external geopolitical deals loosely tied to sport.
FIFA Order of Merit
Henry Kissinger (USA)
1996
Support for US Soccer and 1994 World Cup bid.
Parallel: Kissinger, like Trump, was a US political heavyweight honored for facilitating FIFA's expansion into the American market.
FIFA Order of Merit
Thabo Mbeki (South Africa)
2004
Awarded for the successful 2010 World Cup bid.
Parallel: Awarded to a sitting head of state responsible for hosting a tournament.
FIFA Peace Prize
Donald Trump (USA)
2025
"Washington Accords" and Israel-Palestine; 2026 World Cup host.
Unprecedented: The specific branding of "Peace" and the explicit tie to non-sporting treaties distinguishes this from the general "Merit" awards.
5.3 The "Olympic Order" Comparison
The closest parallel lies not within FIFA's history, but in the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Olympic Order. The IOC routinely awards its highest honor to the head of state of the host nation (e.g., Vladimir Putin in 2001/2014, Xi Jinping in 2013).
The "Host's Rent": These awards are understood as the "rent" paid to the sovereign for the use of their territory.
The Difference: The IOC awards are usually framed around "support for the Olympic Movement." FIFA’s award to Trump is framed around "World Peace." This rhetorical escalation is what makes the 2025 event unique. It claims a moral jurisdiction (adjudicating peace treaties) that sports bodies usually avoid.
5.4 The Inverse Precedent: Putin's Medal to Infantino
In 2019, following the Russia World Cup, Vladimir Putin awarded Gianni Infantino the Order of Friendship.26 This established the reciprocal nature of these relationships. Infantino accepts medals from autocrats and, in 2025, demonstrated he is willing to mint them for leaders he favors. The Trump award completes this circle of patronage.
6. The Nobel Shadow: Irony, Dedication, and the "Counter-Prize"
The narrative of the FIFA Peace Prize is incomplete without analyzing its relationship to the Nobel Peace Prize. The 2025 Nobel went to Maria Corina Machado, yet the shadow of Donald Trump loomed large over the Oslo ceremony.
6.1 The Machado Dedication
In a move that complicated the narrative of the "snub," Maria Corina Machado publicly dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump.
The Statement: "I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause," she wrote, describing him as the "main ally" of freedom in Venezuela.27
Strategic Logic: Machado's movement relies heavily on U.S. pressure (sanctions, diplomatic isolation of Maduro). By dedicating the prize to Trump, she was engaging in her own form of transactional diplomacy—ensuring continued U.S. support for her fragile opposition movement.
6.2 Trump's Interpretation
President Trump seized upon this dedication to validate his own peacemaker self-image. In his remarks, he mentioned that "the person who actually got the Nobel Prize called me today... and said I'm accepting this in honor of you because you really deserved it".28
The Synthesis: This created a surreal diplomatic reality where Trump received the physical trophy from FIFA (the "Counter-Prize") while claiming the moral ownership of the Nobel via Machado's dedication. He effectively collected two peace prizes—one de jure (FIFA) and one by proxy (Nobel)—solidifying his domestic narrative of being the world's preeminent statesman, unrecognized only by "biased" European elites.
6.3 The Acceptance Speech
Trump’s acceptance speech at the Kennedy Center was a masterclass in weaving these threads together.
"We Saved Millions": He explicitly claimed credit for averting mass casualties in the Congo and the Middle East: "We saved millions and millions of lives... 10 million people killed [in Congo] and it was heading for another 10 million".29
"Hottest Country": He pivoted immediately to nationalism and economics, declaring the U.S. the "hottest country anywhere in the world" and praising the "outstanding" coordination with Canada and Mexico.5
The Trophy: Upon receiving the trophy (hands holding the world), he remarked, "This is your peace prize... this is real football," disparaging the "American stuff" (NFL) to flatter Infantino further.31
7. Implications: The Future of Sports Governance
The awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump sets a precedent that will resonate through international sports governance for decades.
7.1 The End of Neutrality
The pretense of FIFA's political neutrality is now effectively dead. By awarding a "Peace Prize" based on highly contested political treaties (Gaza, Congo) rather than sporting contribution, FIFA has entered the political fray. This opens the door for future leaders to demand similar recognition in exchange for hosting rights. Will the King of Saudi Arabia expect a "Peace Prize" for the 2034 World Cup? The precedent suggests yes.
7.2 The Privatization of Diplomacy
The event highlights the growing power of non-state actors (FIFA) in international diplomacy. Infantino brokered a relationship with a superpower leader, leveraged it for commercial gain, and engaged in symbolic diplomacy that rivaled the UN or the Nobel Committee. This represents the privatization of diplomatic legitimacy—where a sports body can grant "peace" credentials that traditional institutions withhold.
7.3 The Fragility of the "Peace"
The irony remains that the "peace" celebrated is fragile. The Congo deal was violated within days; the Gaza "Yellow Line" remains a militarized border. By tying its brand to these volatile political outcomes, FIFA risks its reputation. If the Congo war reignites or the Gaza ceasefire collapses, the "FIFA Peace Prize" becomes a symbol of premature failure. However, in the transactional world of Infantino and Trump, the long-term validity of the peace matters less than the immediate utility of the prize.
8. Conclusion
The awarding of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize to Donald Trump was a singular event in history, yet it echoed the oldest rhythms of power. It was "how" a sports organization secures its commercial future: by flattering the sovereign. It was "why" a President seeks such honors: to construct a legacy of global indispensability.
While the "FIFA Peace Prize" had never happened before, the exchange of gold for favor is the eternal currency of both politics and sport. In Washington, on that snowy December night, Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump simply formalized the exchange rate.
Detailed Analysis of Research Snippets and Citations
The Ceremony & Event: 1
The "Washington Accords" (Congo/Rwanda): 6
Israel-Palestine & "Board of Peace": 2
Trump-Infantino Relationship & Trump Tower: 1
Zaw Zaw & Social Responsibility Committee: 4
Nobel Peace Prize & Machado Dedication: 7
FIFA Order of Merit History: 25
Criticism & Ethics: 3
Works cited
President Trump Gets Gold Trophy as FIFA Awards Him Inaugural “Peace Prize”, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/12/8/headlines/president_trump_gets_gold_trophy_as_fifa_awards_him_inaugural_peace_prize
President Donald J. Trump awarded “FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World”, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://inside.fifa.com/news/president-trump-peace-prize-football-unites-the-world
Soccer peace prize for Trump triggers complaints about Infantino to FIFA ethics investigators, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/fifa-peace-prize-infantino-trump-ethics-complaint-97809f8fd4570eff4d85e5c5f40a8b83
Donald Trump awarded first FIFA Peace Prize at 2026 World Cup draw, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://indianexpress.com/article/world/us-president-donald-trump-is-awarded-new-peace-prize-from-fifa-10404948/
FIFA gives Trump a peace prize in a departure from its traditional focus on sport - WABE, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.wabe.org/fifa-gives-trump-a-peace-prize-in-a-departure-from-its-traditional-focus-on-sport/
'Never taking sides': Trump oversees Congo-Rwanda peace deal in Washington, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/never-taking-sides-trump-oversees-congo-rwanda-peace-deal-in-washington/articleshow/125775092.cms
FIFA Gives Trump a Dumb Medal So He'll Stop Talking About Nobel Prize, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://newrepublic.com/post/204033/fifa-donald-trump-made-up-peace-prize-nobel
FIFA gives Trump a peace prize in a departure from its traditional focus on sport, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/trump-world-cup-fifa-peace-prize-e14f95b8adaa197c869cad407b6ef604
Perfectly appropriate: Trump, Infantino and the FIFA Peace Prize, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20251210-perfectly-appropriate-trump-infantino-and-the-fifa-peace-prize/
After Failing to Win Nobel, Trump Is Awarded FIFA's Newly-Created “Peace Prize” | Truthout, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://truthout.org/articles/after-failing-to-win-nobel-trump-is-awarded-fifas-newly-created-peace-prize/
Revealed: Myanmar junta 'crony' given key role behind Fifa peace ..., accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/04/revealed-myanmar-junta-crony-given-key-role-behind-fifa-peace-prize
FIFA's Fake Peace Prize: How Infantino Blindsided His Own Council to Honor Trump, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2025/12/7/2357381/-FIFA-s-Fake-Peace-Prize-How-Infantino-Blindsided-His-Own-Council-to-Honor-Trump
Zaw Zaw - Wikipedia, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaw_Zaw
Asia's deadly rains, Haiti's election plan, and Trump's sycophantic peace prize: The Cheat Sheet - The New Humanitarian, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news/2025/12/05/asia-deadly-rains-haiti-election-plan-trump-peace-prize-cheat-sheet
Trump wins his peace prize from Fifa – any chance of a VAR review? - The Guardian, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/05/trump-peace-prize-fifa-world-cup
Kagame and Tshisekedi in Washington: Can Trump broker peace in DR Congo's endless war?, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/04/kagame-and-tshisekedi-in-washington-can-trump-broker-peace-in-dr-congos-endless-war//
Trump touts Congo-Rwanda peace deal in push to end yearslong conflict, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/white-house/3907599/trump-touts-peace-deal-congo-rwanda/
2025 Democratic Republic of the Congo–Rwanda peace agreement - Wikipedia, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo%E2%80%93Rwanda_peace_agreement
Where Trump Claims to Have Brought Peace, Conflicts Continue, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://time.com/7339536/trump-peace-deals-conflicts-status-thailand-cambodia/
Netanyahu says he expects Gaza ceasefire second phase to begin "very shortly," will meet with Trump this month, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/netanyahu-gaza-ceasefire-second-phase-trump-meeting/
An international body tasked with governing Gaza will be announced by the end of year, officials say, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-gaza-ceasefire-trump-plan-international-a8dae6ba6f76584b295210e872030fc4
‘Yellow line’ that divides Gaza under Trump plan is ‘new border’ for Israel, says military chief, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/08/yellow-line-that-divides-gaza-under-trump-plan-is-new-border-for-israel-says-military-chief
FIFA awards US President Trump its first ever international peace prize, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.africanews.com/2025/12/06/fifa-awards-us-president-trump-its-first-ever-international-peace-prize//
For international soccer, the way to keep Trump onside is clear: Flattery, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/12/05/international-soccer-way-keep-trump-onside-is-clear-flattery/
N is Nelson Mandela - Inside FIFA, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://inside.fifa.com/news/nelson-mandela-518130
Putin awards medal to FIFA president Infantino - NBC Sports, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/putin-awards-medal-to-fifa-president-infantino
Maria Corina Machado won't collect her Nobel Peace Prize in ..., accessed on December 10, 2025, https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/global-trends/maria-corina-machado-wont-collect-her-nobel-peace-prize-in-person-and-no-one-knows-where-she-is/articleshow/125885170.cms
Trump says Nobel winner Machado told him he "really deserved" the peace prize - YouTube, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJKDCM2zx54
Trump awarded inaugural Fifa peace prize at World Cup draw in Washington, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/05/fifa-peace-prize-trump-world-cup-infantino
Trump Delivers Historic Remarks After Receiving FIFA Peace Prize | AC1G - YouTube, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNKFMGZJcjA
Jon Stewart on Fifa’s peace prize: ‘An entirely fictitious golden butt plug’, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/dec/09/jon-stewart-trump-fifa-peace-prize
At the World Cup draw, soccer gets its moment and Trump gets his prize, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/12/05/trump-fifa-peace-prize-world-cup/
accessed on December 10, 2025, https://inside.fifa.com/news/president-trump-peace-prize-football-unites-the-world#:~:text=President%20Trump%20received%20the%20FIFA,sign%20a%20historic%20peace%20treaty.
Joint Declaration by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda on the Occasion of Establishing the Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity - United States Department of State, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://www.state.gov/joint-declaration-by-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-the-republic-of-rwanda-on-the-occasion-of-establishing-the-washington-accords-for-peace-and-prosperity
UN hails DR Congo-Rwanda peace deal amid ongoing hostilities in the east, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/12/1166527
Netanyahu says Israel and Hamas will enter ceasefire's second phase soon, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-war-news-12-07-2025-1dc3f566e5b8c1062c07bc8344e1286e
FIFA Order of Merit - Grokipedia, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://grokipedia.com/page/FIFA_Order_of_Merit
FIFA Order of Merit - Wikipedia, accessed on December 10, 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA_Order_of_Merit
