Trump booed at World Cup final, lingers during awards ceremony

Donald Trump made a notable appearance at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, arriving amidst boos and FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present awards. He seemed to linger on the stage after the Spanish team received their trophy, requiring Infantino to guide him off, a scene reminiscent of a previous incident at the Club World Cup.

The U.S. president arrived shortly before the match between Argentina and Spain, accompanied by a large security detail. His presence was marked by the arrival of three Marine One helicopters and an intensified security perimeter around the MetLife Stadium. Spectators faced multiple security checks, including scanners and body searches by Secret Service agents and police.

During the ceremony, Trump presented medals to the referees, followed by individual awards for best young player, best goalkeeper, and best player, which went to Pau Cubarsí, Unai Simón, and Rodri, respectively. He then presented medals to the Argentine team and the newly crowned world champions.

Notably, Argentine defenders Lisandro Martínez and Cristian “Cuti” Romero appeared to avoid shaking Trump's hand, greeting Infantino warmly instead. Trump, speaking to Fox Sports, praised Infantino and discussed the idea of a soccer association, acknowledging his initial skepticism about the U.S. being a soccer-centric nation.

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He is fantastic. He had an idea. I told him it was crazy, that we were not a country linked to soccer.