Trump hears boos at World Cup final before trophy duty
Rolling Stone reported the president was booed at MetLife Stadium after appearing on video screens during the Spain-Argentina final.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
Donald Trump got a loud reception at the 2026 World Cup final, and it was not the kind politicians usually hope for.
Rolling Stone reported that fans inside MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, booed the U.S. president when he appeared briefly on the stadium jumbotrons during the final between Spain and Argentina. The moment came shortly after Jennifer Hudson performed the national anthem, according to the report.
Trump was at the match with first lady Melania Trump and was shown seated beside her in a box several more times during the game, Rolling Stone reported. He was also expected to present the World Cup trophy to the winning team.
Spain won the 2026 World Cup final, according to Rolling Stone, which described Trump’s appearance as part of the high-profile closing scene at New York New Jersey Stadium.
A familiar sound at big games
Rolling Stone noted that the World Cup final was not Trump’s first chilly moment in a major sports crowd. The outlet pointed to earlier booing at events including the World Series and the U.S. Open, while saying Trump has generally received friendlier treatment at UFC events and PGA Tour stops.
The report also tied the World Cup moment to Trump’s appearance at Game 4 of the NBA Finals, where he was also booed, according to Rolling Stone. In that game, the New York Knicks lost what Rolling Stone described as the only game in their eventual 4-1 series win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Fans later compared that NBA appearance with Trump’s involvement in a World Cup controversy around the U.S. men’s national team, Rolling Stone reported.
The Balogun controversy
According to Rolling Stone, Trump became personally involved after a red card decision temporarily ruled U.S. striker Folarin Balogun out of a key round-of-16 match against Belgium.
The report said Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, after which Balogun’s red card was overturned. Rolling Stone described the decision as controversial.
The reversal did not lead to a U.S. win. The Americans were knocked out by Belgium, 4-1, in the round of 16, according to Rolling Stone.
Trump and Infantino were also seen together at the final. A FIFA via Getty Images photo caption described Trump speaking with the FIFA president before the Spain-Argentina match in East Rutherford.
Another trophy stage
Trump has taken part in soccer trophy ceremonies before. Rolling Stone reported that he handed the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea FC last summer.
The New York Post, cited by Rolling Stone, reported that Chelsea players, including Cole Palmer, appeared confused about Trump’s presence during that celebration. Rolling Stone noted that players do not control those ceremonial decisions.
The World Cup final created another political wrinkle because Argentina and Spain brought different relationships with Trump to the stage. Rolling Stone reported that Argentina President Javier Milei has aligned himself with the Trump administration and has spoken at U.S. political events as well as Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort.
Spain’s government, Rolling Stone reported, has a less close relationship with Trump. Inside the stadium, though, the most immediate reaction came from the crowd when the president appeared on the big screens.
This story draws on original reporting from Rolling Stone.