Spain parties after World Cup win as Trump trophy moment splits fans
Spain celebrated its 1-0 World Cup final win over Argentina, while some fans questioned Donald Trump’s place in the trophy photos.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
3 min read
Spain woke up Monday as world champion again, with Barcelona still buzzing after a 1-0 World Cup final win over Argentina and Madrid preparing for a trophy parade expected to draw up to a million people, Spanish officials said.
The party came with a side argument: President Trump’s place in the winners’ ceremony at the stadium in New Jersey. CBS News reported that Trump walked on with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to hand over the trophy, then stayed beside the Spanish squad as players posed with the cup.
Footage described by CBS News showed Infantino appearing to give Trump a light prompt to move along, while the president remained near the team, smiling and applauding as the cameras rolled.
In Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, some locals shrugged off the scene. Roger, a Barcelona resident who gave CBS News only his first name, said many people in Spain disagree with Trump’s politics, but he also said it was “normal” for him to be present because the World Cup was being hosted there.
Roger also found a bit of sporting mischief in the moment, telling CBS News he thought Spain’s win was good for geopolitics because he believed Trump had not wanted Spain to win.
Other fans were less amused. One young man, who did not give his name, told CBS News he found Trump’s presence “kind of disrespectful,” saying the celebration belonged to the players and coaches.
Another fan, Damiano, told CBS News he thought the president should have let the team have the stage to itself after presenting the trophy.
Spain’s second world crown sets off street parties
The ceremony debate did little to cool the national celebration. CBS News reported that Spain’s victory marked only the second time the men’s national team had won the FIFA World Cup.
In Rocafonda, the working-class town identified by CBS News as the home of teenage star Lamine Yamal, a community watch party ended with flares and fireworks after Spain’s extra-time victory over Argentina.
Barcelona carried the celebration deep into the night. Thousands of fans filled Catalunya Plaza, singing and dancing into the early hours of Monday, according to CBS News. The city has an extra tie to the team, with a notable number of Spain’s internationals playing their club soccer there.
One local fan summed up the mood for CBS News: “We are so proud, it’s the best feeling in the world.”
By Monday, the focus was shifting to Madrid, where the national team returned with the trophy. CBS News reported that Rodri lifted the World Cup alongside Spain Football Association president Rafael Louzan after the squad arrived back in the capital.
The open-top bus parade was expected to become the day’s main event, with Spanish officials saying as many as a million people could gather to see the champions and the cup.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.