Adedokun Waliyu 
United States President Donald Trump shared the spotlight with Spain’s players after they won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, remaining on the presentation stage as the team celebrated their victory over Argentina.
Although Trump was greeted with loud boos when he walked onto the pitch alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, he appeared to enjoy the moment and later described the tournament as “the most successful sporting event, maybe in the history of the world.”
As Spain lifted the World Cup trophy, Trump briefly remained on stage while Infantino attempted to usher him away. The 80-year-old president also performed a brief version of his trademark “Trump dance” in front of the celebrating Spanish players.
Trump arrived at the New York–New Jersey Stadium aboard Marine One to watch the final between Spain and Argentina. During the match, he sat alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and First Lady Melania Trump, and stood to salute during the United States national anthem.
Before kick-off, Trump predicted that Lionel Messi would help Argentina win the title, citing his relationship with Argentine President Javier Milei. However, after the match, he acknowledged Spain’s superiority.
“I wasn’t sad,” Trump told reporters. “I would say Spain played better, really.”
The World Cup final also provided an opportunity for diplomatic engagements. Trump said he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the wildfires that sent smoke across parts of the northeastern United States during the tournament.
He also disclosed that he held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, insisting there was “no tension” between them despite recent disagreements over Spain’s NATO spending and its stance on the Iran conflict.
Trump co-presented the World Cup trophy to Spain alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, marking the first World Cup match he has attended as president.
Earlier in the tournament, Trump generated controversy after reportedly asking Infantino to suspend a red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the country’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Despite criticism surrounding that incident, Trump praised the success of the tournament, saying the expanded 104-match competition had helped increase the popularity of football in the United States.
“It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain,” Trump said, adding that his son, Barron Trump, is a passionate football fan.
Trump has maintained close ties with FIFA throughout his presidency, hosting Gianni Infantino on several occasions. However, the build-up to the tournament also faced criticism over U.S. immigration policies, which reportedly created visa challenges for some supporters travelling to the competition.
