Trump draws attention after lingering on podium during Spain's World Cup trophy celebration

Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title with a 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina on Sunday, but the post-match celebrations were overshadowed by an awkward trophy presentation after US President Donald Trump remained on the podium alongside the Spanish players despite apparent efforts by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to usher him away.

The incident quickly spread across social media after footage showed Trump standing prominently beside the team as captain Rodri prepared to lift the trophy following Spain's victory at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Spain claim second world title

Spain were crowned world champions for the second time after substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the 106th minute, heading home after Nico Williams nodded down a deep cross at the back post.

The victory added to Spain's maiden World Cup triumph in 2010 and came before a crowd of 80,663.

Spain dominated possession and territory throughout the contest. They held roughly 64 per cent of the ball by half-time, registering three shots with two on target, while Argentina failed to produce a single attempt on goal during the opening period.

The match developed into sustained Spanish pressure, with the European side forcing a succession of corners and patiently working short passing combinations, while Argentina remained compact defensively and offered little in attack. Lionel Messi was largely kept out of the game.

The turning point came deep into stoppage time at the end of the second half when Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, already booked, received a second yellow card for a late challenge on Aymeric Laporte. Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic upheld the dismissal following a video review.

The red card capped a physical encounter in which Argentina conceded numerous fouls and collected further bookings for Lisandro Martinez and Leandro Paredes.

Reduced to ten men for the entire period of extra time, Argentina were eventually broken down as Torres scored almost immediately after the restart.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez kept Argentina in the match for much of normal time with several important saves, denying Williams from close range, stopping a Lamine Yamal free-kick in stoppage time and frustrating Spain's repeated attacks.

Spain also had two goals ruled out before finding the breakthrough. Nico Williams had an effort disallowed for a foul in the build-up late in normal time, while Torres saw another finish ruled offside in extra time.

Argentina's final opportunity arrived in stoppage time of extra time after Messi earned a corner, but Giuliano Simeone volleyed over the crossbar.

Trophy ceremony becomes centre of attention

The post-match trophy presentation quickly became the focus after Trump joined Infantino on the pitch to present the trophy to Spain captain Rodri, who was also named player of the tournament.

After handing over the trophy, Rodri gathered his teammates for the traditional trophy lift. However, rather than stepping aside, Trump remained on the edge of the stage in full view of television cameras.

Footage showed Infantino gesturing for the US president to leave the podium before jogging across and again attempting to usher him away. Trump instead moved to the opposite side of the stage and stood alongside the Spanish players as they celebrated.

After Infantino left the stage, Rodri also appeared to ask Trump to move aside. The president instead remained applauding as Spain lifted the trophy next to him, at one point performing his trademark dance move.

The moment echoed a similar scene during Chelsea's FIFA Club World Cup celebrations the previous year, when Trump also remained visible during the trophy presentation.

Mixed reaction from the crowd

The ceremony had already begun amid a mixed reception from spectators.

As Trump and Infantino entered the pitch before the medal presentation, loud boos came from sections of the crowd. Both had watched the final from behind bulletproof glass amid heightened security measures.

The jeers subsided once the medal ceremony began, with most Spanish players shaking hands with Trump while collecting their medals. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and chairman of Newcastle United, also greeted both Trump and Infantino on the pitch.

Entertainment and prize money

The final was preceded by a pre-match entertainment programme featuring Robbie Williams and Tom Cruise, while an 11-minute half-time show included performances by Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Shakira. Kick-off was delayed by six minutes.

Trump attended the match alongside Infantino, with both scheduled to present the trophy following the final.

Spain's victory also secured the champions' share of the tournament's record prize fund. According to reported tournament figures, the 2026 FIFA World Cup carried a total prize pool of US$655 million, a 50 per cent increase on the previous edition.

The champions receive US$50 million, while the runners-up earn US$33 million. Third place receives US$29 million and fourth place US$27 million. Teams eliminated in the group stage receive US$9 million each, in addition to a US$1.5 million preparation payment made before the tournament, ensuring every participating nation receives a share of the overall prize fund.