Donald Trump was whistled on Sunday as he entered the pitch at MetLife Stadium, near New York, where he presented the World Cup trophy to Spain and lingered in the spotlight.
Despite the boos which accompanied his entry and that of his friend and FIFA boss, Gianni Infantino, the American president was all smiles, congratulating the Spaniards who fell to Argentina at the end of the suspense (1-0 after extra time).
After bringing the cup to the winners with Gianni Infantino, Donald Trump did a few steps of his characteristic dance. He even lingered on the podium for the photo as the world champions raised the Holy Grail, and the FIFA chief attempted to lower it.
The American leader arrived shortly after 2 p.m. aboard the presidential helicopter Marine One at the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
His only match of the tournament
This is the only match of the 2026 World Cup – co-organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico – to which he went.
Before kick-off, Donald Trump estimated that Lionel Messi would give Argentina the advantage. “I would say it is difficult to bet against Messi,” he said, adding that Argentine President Javier Milei was “a friend. He does a fantastic job.” Mr. Milei had given up on making the trip out of superstition.
But Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were not far from the American president, with whom relations are tense. They nevertheless shared the podium for the presentation of individual distinctions and medals.
Donald Trump threatened this week to impose new customs duties on Canada, accused of “deliberate negligence” due to the forest fires which smoked part of the neighboring United States and raised concerns about the quality of the air breathed during the final, in an open-air stadium.
“I have a good relationship with Mark Carney, but you know, we have to put an end to these fires there,” Mr. Trump told reporters upon his return to Washington.
Ties also remain complex with Mexico over the US administration’s crackdown on immigration and its threats of military intervention against drug traffickers.
