Trump lingers onstage as Spain lift World Cup trophy

Donald Trump lingered on stage after presenting the World Cup trophy to Spain, overshadowing the celebration despite boos from the crowd. FIFA president Gianni Infantino attempted to usher Trump away, but the U.S. president remained close to the team during their trophy lift Source: LA Times.

Trophy ceremony awkwardness

Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend a World Cup final on home soil, presented the trophy alongside Infantino. After handing it to Spain captain Rodri, Trump stayed to shake hands and talk with players. Infantino ran over and appeared to try to move him aside, but Trump lingered until Rodri lifted the cup Source: CNA. This repeated a similar incident at the Club World Cup final a year earlier Source: DW.

Political backdrop

Trump's attendance came amid strained relations with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who sat nearby. The two leaders exchanged a cordial handshake after months of tension over defense spending and the Iran war Source: CNN. Trump had described Spain as a 'terrible partner' but later adopted a more conciliatory tone Source: Euronews.

Protests and controversy

Outside the stadium, fans distributed red cards to protest Trump and Infantino, referencing the controversial overturning of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red card Source: SCMP. Trump declared the tournament 'the most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world' Source: DW.

• Key points:
  • Trump was booed during the national anthems and when taking the field Source: LA Times.
  • He touched the World Cup trophy before the match, breaking tradition Source: El País.
  • The Balogun intervention was widely criticized as political interference Source: The Guardian.