He was determined to be in the winners’ photo, but the moment turned awkward, as is often the case with Donald Trump. Following Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, in New York, the American president was first met with a cascade of boos as he entered the MetLife Stadium pitch to present the trophy.
Despite the jeers that accompanied his entrance alongside his friend and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump appeared all smiles on the podium, congratulating the Spanish players. After handing the cup to captain Rodri, the president performed a few steps of his signature dance.
Lingering on Stage for the Spotlight
However, the ceremony took an uncomfortable turn during the traditional victory photo. As the newly crowned world champions lifted the coveted trophy, Trump lingered on the podium, seemingly unwilling to leave the frame. Video footage showed Gianni Infantino attempting to gently usher the president off the stage to allow the Spanish team their moment of glory.
This is not the first time the American leader has created a stir during a trophy presentation in this stadium. In 2025, after presenting the trophy to Chelsea for the new Club World Cup at the same East Rutherford venue, his prolonged presence on the platform while players danced in celebration had already raised eyebrows.
Diplomatic Tensions and Superstition
The American leader arrived shortly after 2 p.m. local time aboard the presidential helicopter Marine One. It was the only match of this World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—that he attended.
Before kick-off, Trump had predicted that Lionel Messi would give Argentina the edge. “I would say it’s hard to bet against Messi,” he stated, adding that Argentine President Javier Milei was “a friend” who was “doing a fantastic job.” Milei, however, had chosen to skip the trip out of superstition.
Despite strained relations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney found themselves near the US president in the stands. They later shared the podium for the presentation of individual awards and medals, marking their first meeting since the World Cup draw in Washington last December.
“No Tension” and a Growing Sport
Trump also mentioned speaking with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who made the trip alongside the Spanish royal family. The president insisted there was “no tension” between them, despite previous criticism directed at Madrid for not providing aid in the war against Iran.
Amid a flood of criticism questioning the fairness of the competition, the president deemed it “perhaps the most successful sporting event in the entire history of the world.” Speaking at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, he added, “It was incredible.”
He further claimed that the World Cup had significantly popularized “soccer” in the United States, a nation where baseball, basketball, and American football traditionally reign supreme. “It turned out that we were a football country, and I think that will,” Trump noted.
