Trump booed then joins Spain’s celebrations after World Cup final trophy lift

Donald Trump was booed by sections of the crowd at MetLife Stadium before joining Spain’s players on the podium as they lifted the World Cup following their 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina on Sunday night.

The US president attended the final alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, watching from behind bullet-proof glass as Ferran Torres struck in the 106th minute to settle a tense contest in New Jersey, with Argentina having been reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez was sent off.

Trump was jeered by supporters when shown on the big screen during the match, with boos and whistles breaking out shortly after the conclusion of the US national anthem. The fixture had been designated a “Level 1” special event, the highest security classification used in the United States, putting it on a par with a presidential inauguration.

A repeat performance from the Club World Cup

Despite the reception, Trump took to the stage to present Spain captain Rodri with the Jules Rimet trophy, mirroring the role he played last summer when Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup at the same venue after beating Paris Saint-Germain.

On that occasion he lingered at the heart of Chelsea’s celebrations alongside Reece James, and he did much the same again on Sunday, remaining on the platform as Spain’s players began their celebrations before being gently ushered away by a laughing Infantino.

FIFA had confirmed last month that Trump would once again present the trophy. “That’s always been the plan,” Infantino said. “That’s how it’s always been done in the past – the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president.”

Heavy security and a family box

Trump arrived at the stadium via Marine One and was seated with First Lady Melania Trump and son Barron Trump for the match. The White House had earlier defended the scale of the security operation, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt describing the president’s attendance as the crowning moment of the tournament.

Spain’s victory secured their second World Cup, with Rodri lifting the trophy as team-mates gathered around him on the stage, Trump briefly part of the throng before making his exit.

Read more: England edge stunning 6-4 thriller over France to claim World Cup bronze

Sources

• The Independent
• WalesOnline
• The Mirror

This is an independent report written from the facts across the sources named above.