Donald Trump refuses to leave stage during World Cup trophy lift

Donald Trump refused to leave the stage for Spain’s World Cup trophy lift amid awkward scenes with Gianni Infantino, according to multiple reports. Trump and the FIFA president had jointly handed over the trophy to Rodri, the captain who also won player of the tournament. However, Trump remained in view of the cameras for the celebrations, even performing his signature dance, as he had done during Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory the previous year.

As Trump stood on the edge of the stage alongside the players, Infantino jogged across to urge the U.S. president to step away. Trump ignored Infantino’s instructions, and the FIFA supremo giggled awkwardly as he watched him remain in place. The pair had been watching the match behind bulletproof glass at MetLife Stadium amid a significant security operation. They were met with a chorus of boos when they stepped onto the pitch after Spain’s 1-0 victory over Argentina.

Most of the Spain players thanked Trump as he handed over the medals and trophy. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Newcastle United owner and Saudi PIF governor, also shook hands with Trump and Infantino on the pitch. The U.S. president’s presence at the event was notable, as he had previously criticized Spain for its lack of contributions to NATO, calling the country “hopeless, bad people” in a speech. However, during the final, he praised Spain’s “generosity” in securing his attendance, claiming the nation had “tried to improve their standings with me.”

The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time. Argentina’s struggles were compounded by a red card to Enzo Fernández, leaving them a man down for much of the second half. The Argentine team’s woes were further highlighted by post-match conduct, including a scuffle that saw Leandro Paredes sent off. Meanwhile, Spain’s technically accomplished squad, led by captain Rodri, showcased their dominance throughout the game.

The trophy ceremony, however, overshadowed the sporting achievement. Trump’s refusal to vacate the stage during the trophy lift drew widespread attention, with social media users comparing the scene to his similar antics at the 2025 Club World Cup final. Fans noted that Trump remained on the podium despite Infantino’s attempts to usher him aside, with one observer stating, “Donald Trump did his best to get in the middle of the World Cup trophy lift.”

The final also featured a controversial halftime show headlined by Madonna and Justin Bieber, which drew mixed reactions. Bieber’s acoustic performance of a World Cup-themed version of “Everything Hallelujah” was particularly polarizing, while Madonna’s appearance, accompanied by Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho, was met with a mix of awe and confusion. The event, which drew an estimated 1.5-1.8 billion viewers, was overshadowed by the trophy ceremony’s drama.

Trump’s involvement in the ceremony added to a broader narrative of his presence at the tournament. As a co-host nation, the U.S. faced scrutiny over logistical challenges, including high ticket prices and security concerns. Trump, who frequently touted the event as a success, also used the platform to promote his vision for future World Cups, stating, “We’ll be requesting it again immediately.”