Donald Trump drew attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey after appearing to linger in front of Spain’s celebrations as the side lifted the trophy.
The moment quickly went viral after footage showed FIFA President Gianni Infantino seeming to guide Trump away from the centre of the stage while Spain’s players tried to enjoy the biggest celebration of the night.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with Ferran Torres scoring the winner. Trump had joined Infantino on the pitch for the medal ceremony before the trophy presentation.
But when the trophy was handed over, the former US president remained in the middle of the action as the Spanish squad began their celebrations. Infantino then appeared to gesture for him to move aside so the champions could take centre stage.
Infantino, seemingly aware of the usual presentation etiquette, appeared to motion for Trump to join him at the side. A lip reader has since claimed to have worked out what he said.
“Don, come stand this side with me,” Infantino allegedly told Trump, lip reader Nicola Hickling told the Mirror. “Don, this way. Come on. We gotta go,” he continued.
According to the lip reader, Trump did not react to Infantino’s first attempt to move him. That may have been because of the deafening crowd noise and flashing lights inside New York New Jersey Stadium.
Hickling said Infantino then made one last effort, adding: “This is for them. We’ve given them the trophy, let’s go.”
Trump eventually stepped aside, allowing the Spanish players to enjoy their celebration uninterrupted.
Body language expert Mark Bowden later shared what he believes was the reason Trump stayed in position via casino.ca.
“Trump lingers on the edge of the group just as the final glitter cannons go off for the celebration still shot that will be shown across the world,” he said.
“By doing so, Trump manages to get a chance to remain in the final, iconic photograph.”
Whatever the motivation, Spain’s players did not seem overly bothered. Several were seen laughing as Trump broke into his familiar “arm dance” in front of them.
One player even appeared to mimic the move.
The final capped a dramatic World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the championship match played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and a global audience watching one of football’s most high-profile trophy presentations.
After the tense final, football fans quickly reacted on X, formerly Twitter. One person wrote: “Donald Trump photobombing Spain’s World Cup celebration is the single most predictable moment of 2026.”