After Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium, Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the field for the medal and trophy presentation ceremony. As he walked onto the pitch, sections of the crowd greeted him with loud boos.
Trump stays on podium during trophy lift
Following the medal ceremony, Trump presented the FIFA World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri. Videos circulating on social media showed Trump staying there as the Spanish players gathered for the traditional trophy lift.
Donald Trump did not want to let Spain celebrate their win without him #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/6zB9FaCVwC
— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) July 19, 2026
It happened again! Trump lingers on the stage as Infantino tries to direct him off of it so Spain can lift the World Cup trophy. ???? pic.twitter.com/ZvZSb67wbL
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) July 19, 2026
Infantino was then seen guiding the US President away from the centre of the stage before Spain’s players celebrated their World Cup triumph. Trump eventually moved to one side, allowing Spain’s players to celebrate their World Cup triumph. The brief exchange quickly went viral.
Echoes of Club World Cup ceremony
The incident also drew comparisons with the FIFA Club World Cup final held at the same venue a year earlier. During Chelsea’s trophy celebrations, Trump had similarly remained on the podium after presenting the trophy.
Spain clinch second World Cup title
Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title, courtesy of Ferran Torres’ extra-time winner against Argentina. The defending champions finished the match with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off late in normal time.
Spain lifted the FIFA World Cup for only the second time in their history. Their first title came in 2010, when they defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final.