Donald Trump provoked a hostile reaction from part of the crowd during the medal ceremony which followed the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. As the US president entered the field alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the medals to the players, loud boos echoed through the stadium. Trump waved to the crowd despite the negative reception.
The president watched the game from a VIP suite alongside Infantino, First Lady Melania Trump, Eric Trump and Barron Trump. The box also included a number of high-profile political and sports figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of SpainNew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Andrew Giuliani. After the final, Trump praised the tournament, saying: “I don’t think anything like what happened during the entire World Cup has ever happened. It was wonderful to watch.”
Trump’s appearance comes against the backdrop of previous controversies during the tournament. He faced criticism after having a private conversation with Infantino and requesting a review of the red card given to American striker Folarin Balogun in the round of 16. The suspension was later overturned, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium in the round of 16, sparking accusations from fans that FIFA had shown favoritism. Trump defended his actions, saying: “All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. It wasn’t even a foul.” Despite Balogun’s return, Belgium eliminated the United States with a 4-1 victory before its players mocked Trump’s involvement by performing a celebratory dance resembling moves associated with his 2024 presidential campaign.
Trump’s relationship with FIFA remained under scrutiny throughout his second presidential term. During FIFA Club 2025 World Cuphe was accused of keeping one of Chelsea’s championship medals while attending the trophy presentation. Concerns also emerged over how the US administration would welcome the World Cup amid stricter immigration policies and expanded travel restrictions. Ahead of the tournament, 90 civil society organizations signed an open letter urging FIFA to pressure Washington to guarantee the rights of foreign visitors and immigrants. The letter stated: “We call on FIFA to use its influence to encourage the US government to guarantee the fundamental rights of millions of foreign visitors and fans.” However, later that year, FIFA awarded Trump its new FIFA Peace Prize, a move widely interpreted as an effort to strengthen relations with the White House after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
On the ground Spain claimed his second World Cup title by beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, echoing Andres Iniesta’s famous winner in the 2010 final. Like that triumph, Spain lifted the trophy after a goalless 90 minutes and then benefited from playing with an extra man Argentina Midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off before the end of regulation. Two Spanish overtime goals were later canceled out, but Torres’ goal proved enough to secure the championship.
The final was notable for its lack of offensive action. Argentina became only the second team in World Cup story of not registering a shot in the first half of a final, while the two teams combined for just three attempts before halftime, the fewest in a league match since 1966. Lionel Messi struggled to influence the game, registering just 12 touches before the break, with only Julian Alvarez touching the ball fewer times among the players. ArgentinaThese are the entries. Spain controlled much of the game, with Dani Olmo breaking through with a series of successful dribbles, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez denied Lamine Yamal late in regulation before Spain finally broke through.
Defeat should mark end of Messi’s remarkable run World Cup journey. After winning the title in 2022 and having one of the greatest international careers in the history of football, the Argentine captain was unable to end his final phase with another trophy. His 2026 campaign nevertheless saw him score eight goals, leaving him second in the race for the Golden Boot behind Frenchman Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappe finished the tournament with 10 goals to win his second in a row World Cup Golden Boot after also winning this award in 2022. The Real Madrid striker scored twice in France’s dramatic 6-4 win over England in the third place match, taking his tally overall. World Cup totaling 22 goals in three tournaments, making him the competition’s all-time top scorer. Reflecting on the individual honor after France missed the final, Mbappe admitted: “I would rather not be the top scorer of all time and play the final tomorrow.”
While Argentina failed to become the first nation since Brazil and Italy to successfully defend a World Cup title, Spain now looks ahead to 2030, when it will co-host the tournament with Portugal and Morocco and attempt to defend its newly won crown.
Source: Novinite
