US President Donald Trump was met with boos during the World Cup trophy presentation in Newark, New Jersey, on July 20, 2026, before refusing to leave the pitch as Spain celebrated their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final.
Trump and Infantino Booed During Trophy Ceremony
Trump took to the field alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to present Spain with the golden trophy after their extra-time win. Ferran Torres scored the opening goal, and Argentina played with ten men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute.
In footage circulated on social media platform X, Trump and Infantino were met with jeers from the crowd of football supporters following a tournament mired in political controversy.
Trump Lingers During Spain's Celebration
Trump proceeded to congratulate the players and participate in the medal ceremony before he and Infantino handed the trophy to the victors. However, after shaking players' hands and punching the air in celebration, Trump refused to leave the stage. Infantino attempted to usher the US leader away from the squad as he hovered to the right of the team.
Controversy Over Balogun Red Card Suspension
Earlier in the tournament, Infantino denied any involvement in overturning US striker Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, despite having received a call from Trump. Balogun had been sent off during the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was expected to sit out their last-16 fixture until FIFA confirmed the punishment had been suspended for one year. Trump praised the ruling, describing 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.
