The 2026 World Cup final was meant to be Spain's moment of glory, but it was hijacked by an unwanted cameo from US President Donald Trump, who walked out to a stadium full of boos and jeers before refusing to leave the podium.
Spain claimed the title after beating defending champions Argentina in extra time, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal after Argentina were reduced to 10 men when Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute.
“US President Trump booed at World Cup final, then refused to leave stage after presenting trophy to Spain.”
But the celebration took an awkward turn when Trump, the 47th President of the United States, strode across the pitch to present the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Footage shared on social media showed crowds heckling him as he walked across the grass.
Seemingly unbothered by the hissing crowd, Trump then refused to leave the podium after presenting Spain with the World Cup trophy, making his presence even more awkward. Instead of stepping aside, he stayed on stage, shaking hands with players and raising his fists in the air as the celebrations got underway.
Infantino appeared to try to usher a seemingly uncertain Trump away from the team, but the US President remained standing to the right of the squad as they celebrated, overshadowing what was meant to be Spain's trophy-lift moment.
The final had been billed as a clash between Argentina's Lionel Messi and Spain's Lamine Yamal, but Yamal outshone Messi, according to reports. However, the focus quickly shifted to Trump's behaviour, which dominated post-match discussion.
