Donald Trump lingered on the platform after handing Spain captain Rodri the World Cup trophy, photobombing the celebrations as the United States president was gently ushered away by a laughing Gianni Infantino. Trump, who had not attended a single match prior to the final, arrived by helicopter at New York New Jersey Stadium and was later booed when shown on the big screen. His presence capped a final that will be remembered less for the football than for the spectacle surrounding it.
Spain won 1-0 against Argentina in extra time thanks to a Ferran Torres strike in the 106th minute, after Argentina’s Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal play. But the match itself was largely forgettable, overshadowed by a Super Bowl-style half-time show that broke the International Football Association’s 15-minute mandate. Performers included Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Coldplay, BTS, and the Muppets’ Electric Mayhem, while the pre-match closing ceremony featured Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger. The extended break drew criticism from fans who saw it as America imposing itself on the World Cup.
“Trump presented World Cup trophy and lingered; Spain beat Argentina 1-0 as half-time show divided fans.”
Trump’s involvement extended beyond the final: he previously admitted phoning Infantino to ask for a review of US striker Folarin Balogun’s sending off, leading to the suspension being overturned. The 80-year-old president, who was seen with the trophy during the first half, later handed the Jules Rimet trophy to Rodri alongside Infantino, repeating a tactic he used at last year’s Fifa Club World Cup. Whether his lingering presence will become a tradition remains to be seen.