Donald Trump hijacked Spain’s 2026 World Cup trophy lift, refusing to leave the podium despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s attempts to usher the US President away from the celebrating squad

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Donald Trump refused to step away from the podium after presenting the World Cup trophy to tournament victors Spain.

The Spanish team defeated the reigning champions in extra time, with Ferran Torres netting the opening goal after Argentina were reduced to 10 men when Enzo Fernandez received his marching orders in the 93rd minute.

After their triumph, Spain approached the podium individually to collect their medals before the US President and FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the trophy to the victors.

Yet as Trump shook players’ hands and thrust his fists skyward, he commandeered the occasion, declining to leave the stage.

Infantino tried to shepherd a seemingly bewildered Trump away from the squad, as he continued hovering on the right-hand side of the team, overshadowing their celebratory moment.

The incident came as little shock given the US president had also breached protocol during the Club World Cup festivities in 2025.

Last July, he left players baffled when he opted to remain with the Chelsea squad as they hoisted the trophy at the MetLife Stadium.

Footage from last summer’s celebrations captured officials attempting to persuade Trump to depart, including appeals reportedly made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who stood alongside him at one stage.

This year proved no different, with Infantino again tasked with coaxing Trump away from the champions to enable them to raise the trophy.

Infantino dashes across the front of the squad and then gestures to the president to move left and leave, but Trump remains firmly in place as Spain hoist the silverware aloft.

When Trump walked onto the pitch for the ceremony, he was met with loud jeers from supporters — the second time during the final.

Earlier in the match, cameras cut to the president, who was watching the game alongside Infantino in a suite, and as he waved, boos and whistles echoed around the stadium.

He also courted further controversy when footage later showed him in the suite during the first half handling the World Cup trophy.

Argentina is facing Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, with many celebrities, including J.J. Watt, in attendance. For the former NFL defensive end, it was a dream-come-true moment, which he enjoyed with his wife, Kealie Ohai.

Watt posted a picture with Kealie from the stands on X:

“World Cup Final. Bucket List. Very Grateful.”

In the photo, the couple posed alongside each other while standing in front of a glass railing. There was a lush green field with packed stands in the background. The couple appeared all set to have a blast at the stadium.

The couple also showed off an elite fashion game. For the FIFA final, Watt wore a white textured oversized shirt over a crew-check T-shirt paired with matching shorts and black shoes. As for his partner, she donned a black fitted sleeveless crop top paired with navy blue track pants and matching shoes.

The ex-NFL defensive end made headlines last week when he took a stand for Kealie. On Wednesday, the MLS club Real Salt Lake shared an X post welcoming him and his family to a game against Burnley FC. However, the team simply addressed him in the post and ignored his wife, a local soccer legend. Calling them out, Watt posted:

“The woman in the photo grew up literally down the road, won 4 Utah state championships (1 in this exact stadium), Gatorade Player of the Year twice, National Player of the Year, and scored the fastest first goal in USWNT history… Could probably be worth a mention, but idk.”

J.J. Watt paid special tribute to Janice McNair as the Texans co-founder died at 89

On June 14, Houston Texans co-founder Janice S. McNair died at the age of 89. J.J. Watt mourned her death with an inspirational message that the ex-NFL defensive end shared via a joint Instagram post with the Texans.

“Janice was a beacon of light, not only for her own family, but also for the Texans organization and the city of Houston as a whole. All of us who were graced with her presence and kindness are better for the experience. Rest in peace Janice. We love you,” Watt said.

According to ESPN, Janice became the principal owner of the Texans after her husband Bob McNair died in November 2018. He was the former owner of the team, who worked alongside his wife to help the team find a home in Houston after a separation from the Oilers in 1996.