Spanish journalist, author, and political analyst Rosa María Artal wrote, ‘Donald Trump is not a member of the Spain national football team. He took some time last night to acknowledge this.’ American President Donald Trump faced criticism for his uncomfortable behavior as he stayed on the stage for an extended period while presenting the trophy to Spain at the World Cup final. Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino repeatedly urging him to step down, Trump refused to leave the stage, prompting analysts to comment that he disrupted the players’ victory celebration.
5 Shrawan, Kathmandu. In line with a statement made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino last month, American President Donald Trump participated in handing over the trophy at the World Cup final this time around. Football experts have noted that politics is gradually entering FIFA.
Despite the criticism, this World Cup ended in a manner consistent with the style favored by Trump. While the victorious Spain team celebrated by lifting the World Cup trophy amid a golden paper shower, Trump too was caught in this celebration shower. After awarding the trophy to Spain, Trump lingered on the stage for a short while. Spain’s captain Rodri appeared somewhat uneasy watching him. Earlier, in July 2025, at the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Trump had exhibited almost identical behavior.
Co-competition best player Cole Palmer later remarked, ‘I knew he was coming here. But we did not expect him to stay on stage until the moment we lifted the trophy. That threw me off a bit.’ However, this time when Trump entered the field, spectators booed him. Trump viewed this tournament as a significant event of his tenure. During the match, Fox Television broadcast an advertisement for the ‘Freedom 250 Grand Prix.’
Trump seemed to face criticism throughout this World Cup. The American administration’s treatment of the Iranian football team drew reproach. Likewise, Trump was further criticized following the red card incident involving America’s leading scorer Folarin Balogun in the match against Bosnia. Trump’s influence had been apparent well before this World Cup.
Spanish journalist, author, and political analyst Rosa María Artal sarcastically commented on Trump’s conduct, writing, ‘Donald Trump is not a member of the Spain national football team. It took him some time to admit this on the night of the World Cup final.’ Renowned German historian Dr. Rainer Zitelmann stated, ‘Although many people tried to remove him, he never realized he was causing an obstruction.’
