United States President Donald Trump became one of the biggest talking points after the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday when he remained on stage during Spain’s trophy celebration following their 1-0 victory over Argentina.
Titansloaded reports that Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino in presenting the World Cup trophy to the Spanish team but attracted widespread attention after lingering on the podium while the newly crowned champions celebrated their historic triumph.
As Spain’s players lifted the prestigious trophy into the air, Infantino appeared to gesture for Trump to leave the stage and allow the team to enjoy the moment. However, the US president remained alongside the players for several moments, smiling, applauding and soaking in the atmosphere.
Trump also briefly performed his trademark dance in front of the celebrating Spanish squad, adding another memorable moment to the trophy presentation.
Earlier, the American president arrived at the New York-New Jersey Stadium aboard the presidential Marine One helicopter to watch the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
He watched the match alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and First Lady Melania Trump, while also standing to observe the United States national anthem before kick-off.
Before the final, Trump predicted Argentina would have the advantage because of football superstar Lionel Messi and highlighted his cordial relationship with Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
However, following Spain’s victory, Trump acknowledged that the European champions deserved their success.
“I wasn’t sad. I would say Spain played better, really,” he told reporters after the match.
The World Cup final also provided an opportunity for diplomatic engagements. Trump disclosed that he held discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the wildfires in Canada that had sent heavy smoke across parts of the northeastern United States, at one stage raising concerns about the final.
Although he described his relationship with Carney as positive, Trump jokingly remarked that Canada “should pay us some damages or something, or we should do some tariffs.”
He also revealed that he spoke with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, insisting relations remained cordial despite previous disagreements over NATO defence spending and Spain’s position during the Iran conflict.
The final marked the first FIFA World Cup match Trump has attended as president, but he has remained closely involved throughout the tournament.
Earlier in the competition, Trump generated controversy after reportedly contacting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request that a red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun be overturned ahead of the Americans’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium. The move sparked widespread debate over fairness and political influence in football.
Despite the controversies surrounding his involvement, Trump has repeatedly praised the tournament, describing it as one of the greatest sporting events ever organised.
Speaking during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York alongside Infantino before the final, the president said the competition had exceeded expectations.
“This has been the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world. It’s been amazing.”
Trump also said the tournament had helped cement football’s growing popularity in the United States.
“It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain,” he said, adding that his son, Barron Trump, is a passionate football fan.
Since returning to the White House in January 2025, Trump has maintained close ties with FIFA leadership and frequently hosted Infantino during preparations for the tournament.
However, the competition also faced criticism over immigration and visa challenges affecting some international supporters travelling to the United States.
Trump’s appearance during Spain’s trophy celebration also revived memories of the FIFA Club World Cup final, when Chelsea players appeared surprised after he remained on the podium during their title celebrations. Trump later claimed he had been allowed to keep the original Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, although FIFA clarified that the trophy displayed there was a replica.
