Sport24.az
US President Donald Trump became the first laureate of the FIFA Peace Prize, presented at the 2026 World Cup draw held today at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Sport24.az reports that the award itself — a bronze statuette called "Thoughts and Dreams", created by renowned Azerbaijani artists Salhab Mammadov and Ali Ibadullayev — was a special highlight of the ceremony. Thus, Azerbaijan's contribution to world art was at the center of one of the most notable international events of the year.
The sculpture depicts hands supporting a fragmented globe - a visual metaphor expressing the fragility of the modern world and the shared responsibility of people to preserve peace, strive for harmony and unity.
The bronze composition combines precise sculpture with multifaceted symbolism, reflecting the interrelationship of thought, intention and action.
A monumental version of the same work has been installed near the UN Office in Geneva, emphasizing its international significance.
The ceremony, attended by delegations from all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup, was part of a broader FIFA initiative aimed at strengthening international cooperation.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening was the Azerbaijani artwork "Thoughts and Dreams". The selection of Mammadov and Ibadullayev's sculpture as a symbol of the first FIFA Peace Prize was a clear sign of the growing recognition of Azerbaijani art on the international stage and the ability of the country's artists to address global issues in a universal visual language.
As the United States, Canada and Mexico prepare for the largest World Cup in history, today's ceremony was not only a landmark moment for world football, but also a significant demonstration of Azerbaijani culture on one of the world's most important stages.
