US President Donald Trump was met with boos during the World Cup trophy presentation in Newark, New Jersey, before refusing to leave the pitch as Spain celebrated their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final
US President Donald Trump was met with boos as he stepped onto the pitch for the World Cup trophy presentation, before lingering during the winners’ celebrations.
Trump took to the field on Sunday, July 20, in Newark, New Jersey, alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to present Spain with the golden trophy following their 1-0 victory over Argentina.
The Spanish side defeated the former champions in extra time after Ferran Torres netted the opening goal of the match. Argentina were reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off in the 93rd minute.
In footage circulated on social media platform X, Trump and Infantino were met with jeers from the crowd of football supporters following a tournament that had been mired in political controversy.
Trump proceeded to congratulate the players and participate in the medal ceremony before he and Infantino handed the trophy to the victors.
However, having shaken players’ hands and punched the air in celebration, Trump refused to leave the stage.
Infantino attempted to usher the US leader away from the squad as he hovered to the right of the team.
Earlier in the tournament, Infantino denied any involvement in overturning US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, despite having received a call from Trump.
Balogun had been sent off during the US victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina and was expected to sit out their last-16 fixture – until FIFA confirmed the punishment had been suspended for one year. Trump praised the ruling, describing referee Raphael Claus as “a little bit suspect,” and thanked FIFA for their intervention.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
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