Nigeria: Trump booed but stays on stage as Spain lift 2026 World Cup trophy
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria
US President Donald Trump shared the stage with World Cup winners Spain on Sunday after the final in New Jersey, drawing both cheers and loud boos from the crowd.
Trump walked onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the trophy ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina. As he appeared on the giant screens and took his place on the podium, he was met with resounding boos from sections of the 82,000-strong crowd.
Despite the reaction, Trump remained on stage throughout the celebrations as Spain lifted the trophy for the second time in their history. He stood behind the players as captain Alvaro Morata raised the World Cup, and stayed for photos with the team and officials.
Speaking earlier in the day, Trump described the tournament as “the most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world.” The 2026 World Cup was the first to be hosted across three countries — the USA, Mexico and Canada — and the first to feature 48 teams.
The President’s presence at the final capped weeks of involvement by the White House in the tournament. FIFA has its headquarters in Zurich but set up a temporary office in Trump Tower in New York for the duration of the World Cup.
Trump’s appearance at the trophy presentation put him in the global spotlight at the climax of the month-long event. While some in the stadium jeered, others applauded as he congratulated Spanish players and FIFA officials.
Spain’s win marked the end of a tournament that broke attendance records and was watched by billions worldwide. The final moments, however, were as much about politics as football, with Trump’s walk onto the pitch becoming one of the most talked-about images of the day.
