Trump Criticized for Remaining on Podium During Spain's World Cup Trophy Celebration

Controversy has erupted over criticism that President Trump intruded inappropriately during the historic moment when Spain lifted the World Cup trophy.

In the final of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup held today (July 20), Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.

With neither team scoring during the 90 minutes of regulation, the match went into extra time. Spain's forward Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the second half of extra time, giving Spain the joy of winning the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

The issue arose after the match concluded.

Once Spain's victory was confirmed, President Trump appeared on the pitch alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present the awards.

Boos could be heard from the stands as Trump appeared, but the President ignored them and proceeded to award medals to the players.

Even after all the awards were presented, he remained standing on the podium until the final moment when Spain lifted the championship trophy.

It is customary for officials to step aside and leave only the team's players and staff on the podium when the winning team lifts the trophy, but Trump did not follow this protocol.

Although President Infantino gestured for President Trump to step down, Trump simply clapped and remained in his spot before eventually coming down.

As a result, President Trump ended up in the photos of Spain's historic victory celebration.

Netizens who saw this reacted by saying, "It is a nuisance to interrupt the players' victory celebration," and "It seems like he is desperate for attention."

Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Kim Hye-ju | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.