Sofia Quijada
Spain lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026, defeating Argentina in the largest edition of the tournament ever staged. The moment was overshadowed by an awkward scene on the winners’ podium involving US President Donald Trump, who remained on stage well past the point of handing the trophy over.
Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, appeared to gently guide Trump to the side of the stage. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made similar attempts, but Trump was still visible in shot when the World Cup was hoisted aloft. He made a hasty exit only after Spain’s celebrations were already in full flow.
The scene had a direct parallel. At the same MetLife Stadium a year earlier, Trump lingered on the podium during Chelsea‘s Club World Cup trophy presentation after their win over Paris St Germain. Trump remained on stage after handing the trophy to Reece James, and match-winner Cole Palmer admitted he was “confused” by the situation.
Security around the stadium was significantly elevated given Trump’s attendance at the 80-year-old president’s first World Cup final. The crowd included Sir David Beckham, Lady Victoria Beckham, and their sons Cruz and Romeo, alongside Matt Damon, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Mick Jagger, Kylie Jenner, and Timothee Chalamet.
Before kick-off, the closing ceremony featured Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, and Jennifer Hudson. The show pushed the standard 15-minute half-time break to over 27 minutes.
Spain’s victory triggered celebrations across New York and London, where hundreds of fans filled Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez posted on X with a photo of the national side captioned: “WE ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!!”
“A triumph that will remain forever in the history of Spanish sport.” — Spanish Royal Family statement
King Felipe congratulated the players after the match alongside Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor. Retired tennis player Rafael Nadal shared a reaction video on social media captioned “LET’S GOOOOO … WORLD CHAMPIONS FOR THE SECOND TIME!”, while Carlos Alcaraz posted: “LET’S GO SPAIN!!!!!!!!!!!”
Read also: World Cup 2026 Award Winners: Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove & More
Follow TipsGG for continued coverage of all major football tournaments and results.