
The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final had it all, extra-time drama, a nail-biting finish, and a historic victory for Spain. But when the festivities began at MetLife Stadium, temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium, it sometimes stole the spotlight. US President Donald Trumpwho was there to hand over the trophy, was met with cheers from the fans. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in a tight final that went the distance.
With Lionel Messi looking for victory, Ferran Torres broke Argentina’s hopes, scoring the winning goal in the 106th minute. As the Spanish players prepared to lift the trophy, the attention shifted for a while from the field to the VIP box, where Trump was watching the game together. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and a long list of political and public leaders.
Bosses are heard throughout the field
BREAKING – Donald Trump was booed mercilessly at the World Cup Finals award ceremony!
It was so bad Ishowspeed thought people were fighting 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/sRyswvpBWd
– DonkConnects ♻️™ (@donkoclock) July 19, 2026
When Trump entered the stadium and Infantino presented the medals, the atmosphere changed dramatically. Fans across the stadium erupted in boos, showing their disapproval. Despite the response, Trump waved toward the stands, acknowledging the crowd even as the jeers continued.
Trump was not alone in the VIP category. His set was a who’s who of politics and international influence. Beside him they were Melania TrumpEric Trump, and Barron, along with US officials Marco Rubio and Howard Lutnick. International leaders including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also attended. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Andrew Giuliani added to the list of celebrity guests.
MASSIVE BOOS for Trump at the World Cup.
He should be fierce! pic.twitter.com/r8KJvjeJwA
– Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 19, 2026
The controversy that followed Trump to the final
Trump’s participation in the tournament had already caused a stir weeks ago. His personal call to Infantino, asking for an inspection of American striker Folarin Balogun’s red card, which raised eyebrows in the world of football. “What I did, I asked for an investigation because I didn’t think it was wrong,” Trump said earlier. “I saw the game, and I’m a sports fan and I was a good athlete. That wasn’t a mistake. That wasn’t even a violation.”
The penalty was overturned, allowing Balogun to return, but the U.S. still suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium. The Belgian team even mocked Trump’s campaign dance in their post-match celebrations.
Difficult relationship with FIFA
Trump’s relationship with FIFA has grown more controversial over time. From being accused of pocketing medals at the 2025 Club World Cup to receiving the first ever FIFA Peace Prize, his presence around the game has repeatedly sparked debate. Infantino praised him when presenting the award, saying, “You certainly deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action … you got it in an amazing way.”
Donald Trump got all the hype 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/v5WqZz5bPv
– Bloom (@TheBlueBow2) July 20, 2026
Argentina’s Cristian Romero appears to dribble at Donald Trump during the World Cup final medal presentation.pic.twitter.com/bnPxbOuj8I
– Pop Music (@BuzzingPop) July 20, 2026
The field is forgotten again! 🤣🤣🤣
Why does he have to make everything about himself? pic.twitter.com/EguuADqANS
– BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) July 19, 2026
WOAH
Argentina’s Cristian Romero refused to shake hands and greet President Donald Trumppic.twitter.com/9V2XijUQop
– Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) July 20, 2026
The Australian broadcaster was on fire after Donald Trump slammed Spain’s World Cup presentation:
“They’ll edit him out of that” pic.twitter.com/VF1ECWXCi9
— Lucas Sanders 👊🏽🔥🇺🇸 (@LucasSa56947288) July 20, 2026
Donald Trump did not want to let Spain celebrate their victory without him #World Cup Final pic.twitter.com/6zB9FaCVwC
— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) July 19, 2026
Cheers from the audience muted the music as Trump proceeded to present the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Maybe it made the rest of the world home too pic.twitter.com/4OYRk27Dru
– Rachel Bitecofer 🗽🦆 (@RachelBitecofer) July 19, 2026
I’m sorry but seeing MAGA eligible after Trump was booed mercilessly by FIFA is the funniest thing in the world.
They deny that he was booed when at the end of this clip it is obvious that the whole world hates Donald Trump’s guts. pic.twitter.com/Mv76hWpfrd
– CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) July 19, 2026
WATCH: The FIFA president tried to get Donald Trump off the stage and he couldn’t leave… he was trying to steal the spotlight from Spain!
This was very strange and this was a bad time.
He is such a loser! 🤣🤡 pic.twitter.com/YcqoObhUbo
— Lucas Sanders 👊🏽🔥🇺🇸 (@LucasSa56947288) July 19, 2026
Watch the exciting moment Donald Trump was booed at the FIFA 2026 world cup final. pic.twitter.com/84MO2cAxCN
– Red Media (@RedMedia_us) July 19, 2026
Meanwhile, many have raised concerns about US policies during the tournament, with several civil society organizations urging FIFA to push for protections for international fans and immigrants.
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