US President Donald Trump faced a chorus of boos as he stepped onto the pitch for the World Cup trophy presentation on Sunday, 20 July, in Newark, New Jersey. He later inserted himself into the champions' celebrations, lingering on the podium after handing over the trophy.
Trump and Infantino Booed During Trophy Ceremony
Trump took the field alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino to award Spain the coveted trophy following their 1-0 victory over Argentina. Footage circulated on social media platform X showed both Trump and Infantino receiving a hostile reception from the crowd of supporters, reflecting the political discord that had mired the tournament.
The Spanish team triumphed over the previous champions in extra time after Ferran Torres netted the match's only goal. Argentina were forced to finish with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez received his marching orders in the 93rd minute.
Trump Lingers During Spain's Celebrations
Trump proceeded to offer his congratulations to the players and participate in the medals ceremony before he and Infantino presented the trophy to the victorious side, reports the Express. After exchanging handshakes with players and raising his fists triumphantly, Trump opted not to leave the podium. Infantino made efforts to usher the American president away from the team as he remained positioned to the right of the squad during their celebratory moment.
Controversy Over Balogun Red Card
During the earlier stages of the tournament, Infantino dismissed suggestions that he was instrumental in reversing US forward Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, despite receiving communication from Trump. Balogun had been dismissed during the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was anticipated to sit out their round of 16 fixture. However, FIFA subsequently announced they had deferred that sanction for 12 months.
Trump praised the ruling, described referee Raphael Claus as "a little bit suspect," and thanked FIFA for their intervention. "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice," Trump wrote on Truth Social at the time.
