President Donald Trump was met with boos from parts of the crowd during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final before joining the medal and trophy presentation for Spain’s championship victory.
The first audible negative reaction came before kickoff at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Trump appeared on the venue’s video screens near the end of Jennifer Hudson’s performance of the U.S. national anthem, prompting boos from sections of the audience.
The 2026 appearance made Trump the first sitting U.S. president to attend a World Cup final played on American soil. The United States co-hosted the expanded tournament with Canada and Mexico.
The Crowd Reacted Before Kickoff and After the Final Whistle
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The Associated Press reported that Trump was shown on the stadium screens at the end of the U.S. anthem, drawing boos before attention returned to the match. Reuters reported that boos and whistles descended from the stands as Trump and Infantino walked toward the platform.
Trump continued waving as music played inside the stadium. The ceremony was not interrupted, and Reuters reported that the boos had stopped by the time medals were being presented to the players and coaches.
Trump Helped Present Medals and the World Cup Trophy
Trump stood with Infantino as Argentina’s players collected their runners-up medals. Lionel Messi shook hands with both men before turning toward the Argentina supporters still inside the stadium.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, representing the tournament’s other two host countries, also participated in the awards ceremony.
Trump and Infantino then helped present the trophy to Spain. Captain Rodri received the award before joining his teammates for the traditional victory photograph and trophy lift.
Trump initially remained directly beside the Spanish players as they began jumping and celebrating. Infantino eventually walked with him toward the side of the platform as Rodri prepared to raise the trophy in front of photographers.
Spain Defeated Argentina in Extra Time
The final remained scoreless through 90 minutes despite Spain controlling possession and producing most of the scoring opportunities. Argentina was reduced to 10 players when Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time.
Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute. Nico Williams headed a long ball back into the penalty area, allowing Torres to finish past goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
FIFA confirmed that the 1-0 victory gave Spain its second men’s World Cup championship. Its first came in 2010, when Andrés Iniesta scored the extra-time winner against the Netherlands.
The Appearance Recalled the 2025 Club World Cup Final
Trump received a similar reaction at the same stadium during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. He was booed when shown during the national anthem and again when he joined Infantino for the trophy presentation following Chelsea’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
He also remained beside Chelsea’s players as they began celebrating, creating a scene closely repeated after Spain’s World Cup win one year later.