Trump Lingers on Podium as Spain Celebrates
US President Donald Trump made an awkward appearance on the World Cup winners podium as Spain's team celebrated their 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final. Trump, accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, handed the trophy to Spain captain Rodri after the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite being gently guided to the side of the stage by both Rodri and Infantino, Trump remained in shot when the World Cup was hoisted aloft by the Spanish players. He eventually made a hasty exit as Spain's celebrations began in earnest.
Deja Vu for Trump at Trophy Presentations
The incident mirrored a similar awkward moment a year ago at the same stadium, when Trump lingered on the podium after handing the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea's Reece James. Chelsea match-winner Cole Palmer later admitted he was "confused" by the situation.
Security was heightened around the stadium as the 80-year-old president attended Sunday's global showpiece. Other high-profile attendees included Sir David Beckham, his wife Lady Victoria Beckham, and their sons Cruz and Romeo, as well as Matt Damon, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Mick Jagger, Kylie Jenner, and Timothee Chalamet.
Star-Studded Closing Ceremony
Before the match, a string of stars performed at the tournament's closing ceremony, including Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, pop star Robbie Williams, and US singer Jennifer Hudson. FIFA extended the interval to allow for an 11-minute spectacle featuring performances from Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber, causing the customary 15-minute half-time break to last more than 27 minutes.
Spain's Victory Sparks Celebrations
Spain's victory sparked wild celebrations in New York and London, where hundreds of fans partied in Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez celebrated on X, captioning a photo of the national side: "WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!" Congratulations also came from the Spanish royal family, who said in a social media statement that the win was "a triumph that will remain forever in the history of Spanish sport."
King Felipe was seen congratulating the players after the win alongside Queen Letizia and their daughter, Princess Leonor. Retired tennis great Rafael Nadal shared a video of himself reacting to the win on social media, captioning the post "LET'S GOOOOO … WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR THE SECOND TIME!" Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz celebrated in a post on X: "LET'S GO SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!"
