The FIFA Fair Play Trophy is awarded to the team that demonstrates the highest standards of sportsmanship during the FIFA World Cup. It was introduced in 1970, but it was not featured at every tournament until the current format was established in 1978. The idea behind the award is simple: FIFA wanted to recognize teams that played with discipline and respect while remaining fiercely competitive on football’s biggest stage.

What is the FIFA World Cup Fair Play Award and when was it introduced?

The FIFA Fair Play Award is presented to the team that demonstrates the best sporting conduct throughout the FIFA World Cup. It was introduced in 1970, although it was not awarded at every tournament before the current format was established in 1978. The award was created to recognize teams that compete with discipline, respect, and sportsmanship while maintaining a high standard of play.

Peru became the first recipient in 1970 after completing the tournament without receiving a yellow or red card, setting the standard for what the award represents. While disciplinary records play a major role in the selection process, the honor goes beyond simply avoiding bookings. It also reflects a team’s respect for opponents, officials, and the spirit of the game, even under the intense pressure of a World Cup.

How is the FIFA World Cup Fair Play Award decided and what are the criteria?

The FIFA World Cup Fair Play Award is decided by the FIFA Fair Play Committee, which evaluates each eligible team’s conduct throughout the tournament. While a team’s disciplinary record carries the greatest weight, FIFA also considers broader fair play principles, including positive play, respect for opponents and match officials, the behavior of team officials, and, where applicable, the conduct of supporters.

Disciplinary points are awarded for yellow and red cards using FIFA’s official system. A yellow card results in −1 point, a second yellow card followed by a red card carries −3 points, a direct red card also results in −3 points, while a yellow card followed by a direct red card is worth −4 points. Teams with fewer disciplinary points are better placed in the Fair Play rankings, provided they continue to meet FIFA’s wider sportsmanship criteria.

Although the award often comes down to disciplinary records, it is about more than simply avoiding bookings. FIFA recognizes teams that combine competitive football with respect, discipline, and exemplary conduct throughout the World Cup, making the Fair Play Award one of the tournament’s most prestigious honors, aside from the championship itself.

Does the Fair Play Award actually help teams qualify, and can it get a side into the knockout rounds?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expanding to 12 groups, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage. When ranking the best third-placed teams, FIFA first compares points, goal difference, and goals scored. If teams are still level, the Fair Play record serves as the next tiebreaker before a drawing of lots.

That means the Fair Play Award itself does not guarantee a team’s qualification for the knockout stage. However, a strong Fair Play record can prove decisive if teams remain tied on the primary ranking criteria, potentially determining which side advances to the Round of 32.

Who has won the FIFA World Cup Fair Play Award: Full history of winners?

Since its introduction, the FIFA World Cup Fair Play Award has recognized teams that have displayed the highest standards of sportsmanship, discipline, and respect throughout the tournament. While some footballing powerhouses have won the honor multiple times, several nations have claimed it only once, reflecting the diverse history of fair play on the world’s biggest stage.

Below is the complete list of FIFA World Cup Fair Play Award winners.

Spain’s 2010 campaign remains unique, as it is the only team to have won both the FIFA World Cup and the Fair Play Award at the same tournament. Brazil, meanwhile, has received the honor four times, more than any other nation.

Although disciplinary points play a major role in determining the winner, FIFA also considers a team’s overall conduct, respect for opponents and match officials, and adherence to the spirit of fair play throughout the tournament. As a result, the award recognizes sportsmanship alongside on-field success.