President Trump offered congratulations to players from Spain and Argentina after a dramatic World Cup final, then briefly wandered into Spain’s trophy-lift photos following La Roja’s victory, prompting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to step in.
Trump watched the marquee match from a box alongside members of his administration and several world leaders before heading onto the pitch — amid audible boos — to take part in the ceremony honoring Spain after its hard-fought 1–0 win over Argentina.
The U.S. president joined Infantino, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and other dignitaries in presenting the postmatch awards.
The ceremony opened with awards for the match officials before medals were handed to both teams, including Argentina, which was recognized as the World Cup runner-up.
As the players passed through the line, several shook Trump’s hand while he placed medals around their necks.
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Trump and Infantino then presented Spain with the golden trophy, after which La Roja gathered on the medal podium for the traditional celebration photo. Trump, however, was seen crossing the stage, pumping his fists and cheering as the champions prepared for their moment.
He later drifted toward the side of the podium, briefly appearing to join the Spanish squad as they posed with the trophy.
Trump appeared likely to have been captured in some of Spain’s trophy-lift images before Infantino nudged him away, clearing the stage so the World Cup champions could celebrate on their own.
Ironically, Trump had badmouthed Spain before the game, due to an ongoing feud with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over Madrid’s lack of support during the war in Iran.
“Spain is a wasted cause,” Trump fumed to NATO boss Mark Rutte earlier this month. “We don’t want to do any trade business with Spain anymore, by the way. I’d like to cut it off. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. Cut off all trade with Spain, please. Including visits. We don’t want anything to do. They’re hopeless. Bad people.”
Sánchez had been in Trump’s box at MetLife Stadium, alongside King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
Trump is the first sitting US president to attend the men’s World Cup final on American soil.
