Spain wins World Cup, but Trump's stage presence draws criticism

Spain captain Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy, but the moment was disrupted by the lingering presence of former US President Donald Trump on the stage. Trump, who had declared the tournament "the most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world," stayed on the platform, requiring FIFA President Gianni Infantino to move him along.

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Trump cast a shadow over the entire tournament, weaponizing it for domestic political purposes, regardless of whether he showed up at matches in person.

Trump's involvement with the tournament drew criticism, with Professor Jules Boykoff of Pacific University stating that the former president "cast a shadow over the entire tournament, weaponizing it for domestic political purposes." Boykoff pointed to past Trump administration policies that affected international referees and fans, as well as a controversial phone call to FIFA that influenced a player's red card suspension. This intervention, Boykoff suggested, was aimed at his domestic political base ahead of midterm elections rather than improving his international image.

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Intervening in the red card situation allowed him to deliver the message to his political base that he could get international bodies like FIFA to bend to his will.

Despite the controversy, Trump insisted the tournament boosted the US's international reputation, telling reporters that "All over the world, people have come and they love our country." However, the article notes that Trump's approval rating is below 40% with midterm elections approaching and the war in Iran ongoing.

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All over the world, people have come and they love our country.