Trump Met with Boos at World Cup Ceremony, Lingers on Stage

Former U.S. President Donald Trump faced a chorus of boos from spectators at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey, as he lingered on the stage during the trophy ceremony. The incident occurred after Spain defeated Argentina in the championship match held at MetLife Stadium.

As Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino entered the field for the ceremony, loud jeers erupted from the crowd. While the booing subsided somewhat during the medal presentation to the Spanish players and coaching staff, it resumed when Trump remained on the stage alongside the team even after presenting the World Cup trophy to captain Rodri.

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Trump seemed to try to interfere with Spain's World Cup celebration.

Video footage showed Trump standing with the Spanish players as they celebrated their victory, prompting criticism from some media outlets. DPA noted that Trump "seemed to try to interfere with Spain's World Cup celebration," while AFP reported that he "seemed to revel in the attention he received despite the loud boos."

This was not the first time Trump's actions at a FIFA event have drawn criticism. He previously faced backlash from football fans for overstaying his welcome at the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup final in the United States, where he joined the winning Chelsea team's celebration ceremony. His involvement in the current World Cup also extended to a controversial phone call to Infantino earlier in the tournament, requesting a review of a red card shown to U.S. player Folarin Balogun. FIFA's subsequent decision to allow Balogun to play in the next match fueled accusations of preferential treatment.

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Trump seemed to revel in the attention he received despite the loud boos.