In a familiar scene, Donald Trump found himself at the center of another significant moment in sports. The grand venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, hosted a world championship trophy ceremony, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino standing beside the former US president. Despite receiving a chorus of boos from the crowd, Trump handed off the trophy alongside Infantino, stubbornly remaining in the frame as Spain celebrated a pivotal victory.
Marc Cucurella, who was present on both occasions, likely did not find the moment surprising. He had first appeared on stage when Chelsea lifted the 2025 Club World Cup, and on Sunday, the same situation unfolded as Trump lingered awkwardly during Spain’s World Cup celebration.
For much of the event, Trump was not the primary focus, a welcome respite for American sports fans who have developed a sentiment akin to dread regarding his involvement. This has particularly been evident in recent events, such as when the New York Knicks lost their only NBA Finals game with Trump in attendance, drawing loud boos from the crowd. Earlier in the World Cup, the US team faced a 4-1 defeat against Belgium, coinciding with Trump’s call to Infantino to suspend a red card for striker Folarin Balogun.
During the World Cup final, Trump observed from a glass-enclosed suite, accompanied by Infantino, Spain’s King Felipe VI, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also among the attendees. At one point, Trump was seen chatting with Carney, but the match itself was marked by intense football action and a lack of distractions.
Trump’s role as a sideshow emerged later. He was briefly shown on stadium screens after the US national anthem, eliciting mixed reactions from the audience. Throughout the match, he was visible touching the trophy from his seat and speaking with Melania Trump in the closing minutes, though he did not appear on the big screens during active play.
His previous reception at sporting events seemed to repeat itself when he descended from his suite to present the World Cup trophy. As he took the field with Infantino and other dignitaries, the crowd erupted in boos and jeers.
Following the routine of the ceremony, Trump presented medals to the players, offering handshakes and smiles with minimal fuss, seemingly congratulating each athlete. Trump and Infantino lifted the World Cup trophy together before presenting it to Spain’s captain Rodri, with Infantino stepping aside.
Despite the lessons from the previous year’s Chelsea celebration, Infantino appeared unprepared to intervene. As Rodri motioned for Trump to step aside and allow the festivities to commence, Trump hesitated, standing awkwardly at the edge of the celebration. Infantino had to jog over to encourage him to depart, but it was too late. Rodri raised the trophy with Trump still in view, lingering just long enough to be captured in the celebratory moment.
As Spain celebrated their second World Cup title, the image of the former president awkwardly in the frame served as a stark reminder of the host nation’s presence, much like Lionel Messi’s memorable lifting of the trophy in 2022 while donned in a traditional Arab cloak.
