Trump steals spotlight at World Cup final trophy ceremony

US President Donald Trump drew both cheers and boos as he attended the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, but it was his unexpected appearance during Spain‍‍`s trophy celebrations that became one of the night‍‍`s biggest talking points.

Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the podium after Spain‍‍`s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As Spanish captain Rodri prepared to lift the World Cup trophy, Trump briefly remained on stage alongside the celebrating players before eventually stepping aside.

The moment echoed a similar incident at last year‍‍`s FIFA Club World Cup final, when Trump also stayed on the podium during Chelsea‍‍`s trophy celebrations.

Earlier in the evening, the US president was greeted by loud boos from sections of the crowd as he walked onto the pitch before kick-off alongside Infantino. During the match, Trump sat with First Lady Melania Trump and the FIFA president, and stood to observe the US national anthem.

Before the final, Trump predicted Argentina would have the advantage because of Lionel Messi but later acknowledged Spain deserved the victory.

"I wasn‍‍`t sad," Trump told reporters after the match. "Spain played better."

The president also used the occasion to hold informal discussions with several world leaders attending the final.

He said he spoke with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney about the wildfires that have sent smoke into parts of the northeastern United States, joking that Canada might owe compensation or even face tariffs over the issue.

Trump also revealed he had a conversation with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, dismissing suggestions of tension between the two governments despite recent disagreements over NATO spending and Middle East policy.

The World Cup final marked Trump‍‍`s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup match. Throughout the tournament, he repeatedly praised the competition, describing it as one of the greatest sporting events ever staged.

Speaking at a FIFA reception in New York days before the final, Trump said the tournament had helped boost football‍‍`s popularity in the United States.

"It‍‍`s been amazing," he said. "We turned out to be a soccer country, and I think it‍‍`s going to stay that way."

Trump has maintained close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino since returning to office in 2025 and has frequently highlighted the World Cup as an important event for the United States, which co-hosted the tournament with Canada and Mexico.