Spain’s team captain Rodri lifts the trophy after Spain won the World Cup final against Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
US President Donald Trump and FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) President Gianni Infantino present the World Cup trophy to Spanish captain Rodri at the culmination of the awards ceremony after Spain beat Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup.
There is booing in the stands when Trump and Infantino take to the field, Reuters reports, but the boos stop by the time the presentations begin.
Spain’s King Felipe VI is among the notables congratulating the winners and commiserating with the losers as the medals are handed out.
Argentina’s defeated captain Lionel Messi is in tears, having played what he has said would be his last World Cup game.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts at the conclusion of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., July 19, 2026. Spain won by 1-0. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Trump appears to tell Rodri, “You’re my favorite player,” and he and Infantino then follow the Spanish team to the podium where they are to pose with the trophy.
Trump seems somewhat reluctant to vacate the stage, and initially stands alongside the players before Infantino gently encourages him to leave the spotlight.
Spain’s captain Rodri lifts up the World Cup trophy as Spain’s players, Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente (L), US President Donald Trump (2R) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right) celebrate during the presentation ceremony after the 2026 World Cup final, in which Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP)
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Monday, July 20, 2026
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