Politics

Trump Humiliated With Boos at World Cup Final

THE BOO-TIFUL GAME

Soccer fans at the world’s biggest sporting event gave the president a chilly welcome.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Eva Marie Uzcategui - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

No matter what sporting event President Donald Trump attends, he always seems to be greeted the same way.

Trump, 80, was booed by soccer fans on Sunday at the start of the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

As Trump appeared on the screen just after Jennifer Hudson performed the National Anthem, a wave of boos rang out until the view of the president was swapped with an aerial shot of the stadium.

Trump watched the game alongside his friend and ally, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in a box at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. His wife, Melania Trump, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum were also in attendance.

donald trump gianni infantino melania
Trump was booed at yet another major sporting event. Evan Vucci/REUTERS

The White House did not immediately return the Daily Beast’s request for comment.

Trump arrived at Sunday’s match after flying over the stadium in Marine One. He later presented the World Cup trophy to the winning team, Spain.

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Trump has close relationship with the FIFA president. MARK J REBILAS/IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Earlier in the tournament, the president admitted to using his cozy relationship with Infantino to appeal the controversial red card against U.S. player Folarin Balogun, which was later rescinded ahead of the team’s match against Belgium.

“You had unforgettable moments. Probably the most unforgettable is when they gave a gentleman—is it a red card? And I was forced to call Gianni and just make a recommendation… I said I’d like to wage a complaint,“ Trump said at a World Cup reception event in New York on Friday.

President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Trump Tower.
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Trump Tower. Evan Vucci/REUTERS

“It was so much better the way it worked out because there was no controversy,” he added. The U.S. team lost its round-of-16 match to Belgium and was subsequently eliminated from the tournament.

The president was also heavily booed earlier this year in his hometown of New York City when he attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.

Trump at Game 3
Trump got some rest during the NBA Finals. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Apart from screwing up the national anthem etiquette by saluting—as the U.S. Flag Code calls for placing the right hand over the heart during “The Star-Spangled Banner”—Trump was also welcomed with a chorus of boos as he appeared on the Jumbotron.

Trump’s appearance at the game marked the New York Knicks’ only loss in their 4-1 series victory over the San Antonio Spurs.