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Published 08:44 21 Jul 2026 GMT
Donald Trump became one of the biggest talking points after Spain's World Cup victory when he remained in the middle of the team's trophy celebrations, prompting widespread discussion across social media.
The president's role during the World Cup final was to present medals to both Argentina and the winners, Spain, before joining FIFA President Gianni Infantino in handing over the trophy following Spain's 1 to 0 victory.
After the trophy presentation, Infantino stepped away to allow the Spanish players to celebrate. Trump, however, stayed at the front of the group, leading many viewers to question whether he was intentionally remaining in the shot or simply unsure of the ceremony's protocol.
Footage of the celebration has since gone viral, with lip reader Nicola Hickling telling the Mirror what she believes Infantino said as he attempted to guide Trump away from the team.
According to Hickling, Infantino first said: "Don, come stand this side with me."
She said the FIFA president then added: "Don, this way. Come on. We gotta go."
Hickling claimed Trump ignored the initial instruction, possibly because of the loud atmosphere inside New York New Jersey Stadium. She also said Infantino made one final appeal, telling the president: "This is for them. We've given them the trophy, let's go."
Trump eventually stepped aside, allowing Spain to celebrate with the trophy.
Body language expert Mark Bowden also shared his assessment of the moment in comments provided to UNILAD via casino.ca.
"Trump lingers on the edge of the group just as the final glitter cannons go off for the celebration still shot that will be shown across the world," he said.
"By doing so, Trump manages to get a chance to remain in the final, iconic photograph."
FIFA later released its official celebration photograph, with Trump no longer visible in the image. Social media users quickly reacted to the incident, with one person writing: "Donald Trump photobombing Spain’s World Cup celebration is the single most predictable moment of 2026."
Some fans also compared the scene to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, when Trump was accused of "photobombing" Chelsea's trophy celebrations.
The next FIFA World Cup will take place in 2030 and will be co-hosted by Morocco, Portugal and defending champions Spain as the tournament celebrates its 100th anniversary.
The competition is scheduled to run from June 8, 2030, to July 21, 2030, lasting 44 days. FIFA has also confirmed that three opening centenary matches will be played in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay as a tribute to the first World Cup in 1930.
All six host nations, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, will automatically qualify for the tournament.
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Published 09:01 20 Jul 2026 GMT
A lip reader claims to know what Donald Trump said to each player following the FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina.
Spain emerged as 1-0 victors over Messi and his Argentina side, in a scrappy final that likely won't be remembered by many.
La Roja won't care too much, as an extra-time half-volley by substitute Ferran Torres sealed the European champions' second-ever World Cup win, 16 years after their 2010 victory.
Their opponents didn't pose too much of a challenge attacking-wise, as Argentina became the first-ever team to go 90 minutes without a shot in a World Cup final.
With that being said, La Albiceleste were scrappy and disciplined in defence, with this reckless style of play leading to Enzo Fernandez being sent off in second-half stoppage time.
But following the final whistle, not only was there a brawl between the two sides, but Trump reportedly repeated the same message to players from both sides.
The US leader was joined by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in the medal ceremony at the New York New Jersey stadium.
He had greeted every player on stage and shaken their hands beforehand, exchanging words with them as they walked past, while Argentinian players Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero blanked his attempts at a handshake.
According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, who spoke to the Express via LipReader Ltd, Trump told each Spanish player: "You are a champ," before adding: "Amazing player."
Trump was jeered by many in the stadium as he walked out alongside Infantino, but he still had a prominent part to play in the medal and trophy presentation.
He also presented Spain with the coveted World Cup trophy, loitering on stage as Spanish captain Rodri lifted it with his teammates in celebration.
Despite efforts from Infantino to get the 80-year-old US President off the stage, Trump seemed determined to stay for the trophy lift before stepping off the stage.
While many backed Argentina and their attempt to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, they showed up with a defensive game plan.
In fact, the South American side wouldn't have an attempt on goal until extra time, as they looked to nullify Spain and defend their box for the entirety of the final.
Lionel Messi barely got a sniff in what was likely his last World Cup game, but Spain were made to work to find their winner in the second period of extra time.
Hope looked all but lost after Enzo Fernandez was shown a red card for a wild challenge on Spain's Pau Cubarsi in the 92nd minute of normal time, with Spain playing against 10 men for the entirety of extra time.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was booked during the game, could be seen having a scuffle with a few Spanish players after the final whistle, with cameras seeing him lunge at some opponents.
All in all, it wasn't a good look for Messi and co as staff had to get involved to break things up.
Published 13:59 20 Jul 2026 GMT
A body language expert has analyzed the moment Donald Trump appeared to remain on stage during Spain’s World Cup trophy celebration.
Spain defeated Argentina thanks to a 106th-minute Ferran Torres strike, but it was the angry reaction of the losers and Trump’s involvement in the trophy presentation that grabbed headlines, despite the Spanish triumph.
Professional body language expert Carole Railton examined the footage and said Trump appeared uncertain and reliant on direction during the presentation.
She suggested his decision to stay in place may have been influenced by the ceremony rather than a deliberate attempt to take attention away from the winners.
"He looked confused, of course, concerned and was being guided the whole time, so I do not think it was a congruous decision; rather he had been directed," Railton told VT.
The trophy lift itself is traditionally reserved for the winning captain and players, with officials and dignitaries usually stepping aside once the presentation is complete.
Even when world leaders or royalty hand over trophies, football tradition dictates that the victorious team should have the spotlight during the celebrations.
Trump was involved in the presentation as a head of state, but the actual lifting of the trophy remained Spain’s moment. Fans had already criticized his decision to stay on the podium longer than expected, with some arguing he should have moved away sooner.
Body language analyst Jack Bowden also examined the scene, claiming FIFA president Gianni Infantino attempted to guide Trump away from the players before the final celebration photographs.
"After the presentation, the FIFA president tries to direct Trump to move away from the team and out of frame for the final celebratory photo," Bowden said.
However, he claimed Trump remained near the group as the cameras captured the famous winning image.
"Trump lingers on the edge of the group just as the final glitter cannons go off for the celebration still shot that will be shown across the world," Bowden explained.
He added: "By doing so, Trump manages to get a chance to remain in the final, iconic photograph."
Bowden also suggested the players appeared more comfortable interacting with Infantino than Trump during the ceremony.
"Throughout the line, players from both sides, including the victorious Spaniards, clearly preferred to spend more time with the FIFA President with whom they were much more jovial and physically comfortable and celebratory than with President Trump," he told UNILAD.
He claimed the interactions showed the players appeared more aligned with FIFA than with the US president.
"It is clear who is most valuable in that lineup to them, they were clearly more 'Team FIFA' than 'Team Trump'," he said.
The expert also analyzed Trump's usual handshake style and noted that he did not appear to use his well-known technique of pulling another person's hand or body position during the greetings.
"Again and of note, Trump makes no attempt to pull any of these players off balance, completely breaking from his purposeful, signature handshake routine," Bowden said.
He added: "The absence of his usual handshake really illustrates how this signature Trump move to pull others off balance is a conscious choice for him."
Bowden claimed most of the players kept their interactions with Trump brief.
"None of the players spend a second longer than necessary with Trump, except for Spain's captain, Rodrigo (number 16)," he said.
He also analyzed the moment Trump helped present the trophy to Spain captain Rodri, describing the shared presentation as a deliberate FIFA protocol.
"Finally, the World Cup trophy is presented," Bowden said.
"The FIFA President and Trump present it equally together, with both men placing both hands on the trophy at the exact same time and carrying it together, a clear demand from FIFA that the status be shared."
Published 16:24 20 Jul 2026 GMT
Following Spain’s victory over Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, attention has turned to off-the-pitch events, including Donald Trump’s peculiar involvement in the trophy presentation ceremony.
In particular, Trump's awkward encounter with Lamine Yamal has had people talking, with the former wonderkid shaking hands with the divisive US leader.
Spain, who overcame the reigning world champions thanks to a 106th-minute goal from Ferran Torres, claimed their second World Cup, 16 years after their first.
While tensions spilled over past the full-time whistle, with Argentina players disgracing themselves by lashing out at their Spanish opponents, Luis de la Fuente’s side quickly moved on as they collected football’s most prestigious prize.
As is traditional during such trophy presentations, both FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Trump were there to hand out medals, commiserate the losers, and congratulate the winners.
However, in true Trump style, the political figurehead ensured he was front and center, even standing in front of the podium while the players lifted the trophy.
Yet, it was his painfully awkward meeting with Yamal that was caught in slow motion that has had people cringing with second-hand embarrassment.
While going up to the podium, Yamal was congratulated by Infantino, as Trump waited with his hand out to greet the young talent.
Unfortunately for Trump, Yamal then left him hanging, having initially stuck his hand out.
While the pair eventually shook hands, there was certainly an air of awkwardness between the two, with Yamal not appearing to be massively impressed by Trump.
This wasn’t the only time that Trump was either initially ignored, or completely shunned during the celebrations.
Argentina’s Cristian Romero visibly shook hands with Infantino, but strolled right past Trump while collecting his runner-up medal, another video that was circulated widely on social media.
Despite his reportedly close relationship with Infantino, Trump has stayed away from this instalment of the World Cup, with Sunday’s final being the only game he has attended all tournament.
Published 13:04 20 Jul 2026 GMT
President Donald Trump had an unfortunate moment in the spotlight while he was presenting Spain with their winners' medals following the World Cup final on Sunday (July 19).
Spain were victorious over Argentina in the long-awaited conclusion to this summer's competition, winning 1-0 after extra time, thanks to a goal from substitute Ferran Torres.
It was heartbreak for Messi and his Argentina side, at what is likely the sporting legend's final hurrah at the World Cup.
Trump was very much involved in post-match activities, following a post-match brawl between the sides.
Trump spoke to players while handing out losers and winners medals, as some making it very clear that they were not fans of his.
But unsurprisingly, that wasn't the end of the controversy.
The President underwent a walk of shame, as he was booed while walking across the pitch after the final, at the New York-New Jersey stadium on Sunday.
As reported by HuffPost White House reporter S.V. Dáte, jeering could be heard from the crowd, with his coverage echoed on X.
He wrote: “Ambient crowd noise was about 78 decibels. Booing brought it to 84,” which is said to be around the same noise level as a diesel truck driving past.
The President would go on to make headlines as he stayed on stage while Spain lifted the trophy, despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino's attempts to usher him off.
Trump was seen next to the team as smoke machines and confetti cannons went off, before slowly making his way off stage.
SBS, an Australian broadcaster, joked about the moment, which many perceived to be a moment of attention-seeking.
A commentator from the network can be heard saying: “They can edit him out of that,” which the Spanish team seemingly did on social media.
Social media users described Trump as an "embarrassment" following the bizarre moment, with another writing: "Editing Trump OUT is the best idea I’ve heard yet! Let’s just edit him right out of everything."
Spain emerged as 1-0 victors over Messi and his Argentina side, in a scrappy final that likely won't be remembered by many.
La Roja won't care too much, as a stoppage-time half-volley by substitute Ferran Torres sealed the European champions' second-ever World Cup win, 16 years after their 2010 victory.
Their opponents didn't pose too much of a challenge attacking-wise, as Argentina became the first-ever team to go 90 minutes without a shot in a World Cup final.
With that being said, La Albiceleste were scrappy and disciplined in defence, with this reckless style of play leading to Enzo Fernandez being sent off in second-half stoppage time.
Spain will be pleased with the result, which sees a second star being added to their badges, while their captain Rodri was named player of the tournament.
Published 09:38 20 Jul 2026 GMT
After Argentina’s devastating defeat in the World Cup final, two players were spotted snubbing the US President during the medal ceremony.
Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero were spotted not-so-subtly skipping a handshake with Donald Trump before shaking the hands of the two other hosting heads of state, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In protest of either the result or the widely documented alleged corruption that has plagued the competition, Manchester United centre-back Martinez decided not to shake hands with either FIFA boss Gianni Infantino or Trump during Argentina’s silver medal ceremony.
Unsurprisingly, Infantino also promised Trump the job of handing the victorious Spain captain Rodri the gold trophy.
While the champions, who won 1-0 in extra time, were celebrating their second World Cup win, some Argentina players pounced on their competition and viciously attacked them in anger.
Moments after the final whistle, the losing team’s Leandro Paredes launched himself at Spain’s Gavi. Then, Nahuel Molina appeared to throw a punch at one of the Spain subs running on to join in with his team-mates’ celebrations.
Tensions were particularly high as the game was set to be legendary soccer player Lionel Messi’s last appearance for his country in an international competition, so he was hoping to go out with a bang.
The 39-year-old was even seen in tears looking at the crowd after the final whistle was blown. However, it was the team’s head coach who appeared the most emotional, even cutting a press conference short as he could not hold back the tears.
Lionel Scaloni, who guided the team to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, questioned his future as the team’s most important player.
He said: “I feel the need to think because I don’t know if I’m going to be able to do something as big as this.
“We would have to talk about it. My place is everyone’s dream place. We tried until the very last moment to give our all as a coaching staff, the players too, and I think it’s only fair to consider it. This place is wonderful.
“I never imagined I’d be here. To move forward, a lot of things are needed. Above all, we need to reset, to form a group like this, which is unlikely to ever be formed again. It breaks my heart. I’m sorry.”
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