Trump basks in World Cup spotlight, lingers on stage with winners Spain

Former US President Donald Trump dominated the spotlight at the World Cup final, lingering on stage with the victorious Spanish team as they celebrated their win over Argentina. Despite facing boos as he walked onto the pitch, Trump appeared to revel in the attention, even performing a brief version of his trademark dance.

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This has been the most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world. It’s been amazing.

Trump, who had arrived by helicopter to watch the match, sat with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and First Lady Melania Trump. He expressed that he was "not sad" Argentina lost, stating Spain played better. The event also served as a backdrop for diplomatic exchanges, with Trump discussing the wildfires affecting the US Northeast with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and addressing recent tensions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

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I would say Spain played better, really.

This marked Trump's first attendance at a World Cup fixture. He had previously intervened in the tournament by calling Infantino to request the suspension of a red card for a US player. Despite controversies, Trump has consistently praised the 2026 tournament, calling it "the most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world" and asserting that the US has become "a soccer country."

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It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain.