Donald Trump booed at FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey as Spain defeats Argentina

Donald Trump’s appearance at the FIFA World Cup final ended in a chorus of boos as the US President stepped onto the pitch to present Spain with the championship trophy, capping a tournament that repeatedly blurred the line between politics and the world’s biggest sporting event.

The 80-year-old was loudly jeered by sections of the crowd at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday local time.

Mr Trump waved to spectators as he joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the medal ceremony following Ferran Torres’ match-winning goal in the 106th minute.

The hostile reception came despite Mr Trump spending much of the tournament praising football’s growing popularity in the United States and celebrating the nation’s role as host.

Before kick-off, Mr Trump told Fox Sports the World Cup had exceeded his expectations after initially doubting Americans’ appetite for the game.

“It turns out we are a soccer country,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s ever been anything like what’s happened with the whole World Cup, it’s been beautiful to watch.”

Mr Trump watched the final from a private suite alongside First Lady Melania Trump, son Barron, son Eric Trump and FIFA chief Infantino.

The box also hosted an array of world leaders and dignitaries, including Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, as well as New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

While Spain celebrated lifting the World Cup trophy, much of the post-match attention shifted to Mr Trump’s increasingly controversial relationship with world football.

Earlier in the tournament, the President sparked outrage after personally calling Mr Infantino to request a review of a red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun during the round of 32.

The suspension was later overturned, allowing Balogun to return for the United States’ round of 16 clash against Belgium, a decision that prompted accusations of preferential treatment from fans around the world.

“All I did, I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Mr Trump said at the time.

“I saw the play, and I’m a person who loves sports and was a good athlete. That wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction.”

Last year, Mr Trump drew headlines during the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup after critics accused him of pocketing one of Chelsea’s championship medals during the trophy presentation.

His administration has also faced criticism over its handling of immigration during the tournament, with concerns raised that expanded travel bans and aggressive immigration enforcement could deter international supporters from travelling to the United States.

Ahead of the competition, 90 civil society organisations signed an open letter urging FIFA to pressure the Trump administration to protect the rights of overseas visitors and immigrant communities during the month-long event.

“We call on FIFA to use its influence to encourage the US government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the millions of foreign visitors and fans who seek entry to the US to attend the tournaments, and those of the constitutional rights of the many immigrants who already live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the cities selected to host them,” the letter said.

Despite those concerns, FIFA has maintained a close relationship with the President.

In December last year, after Mr Trump again argued he deserved a Nobel Peace Prize for his involvement in several international conflicts, FIFA created and awarded him its inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.

“You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way, but you obtained it in an incredible way,” Mr Infantino said during the presentation.

“And you can always count, Mr. President, on my support, on the support of the entire ... soccer community to help you make peace and make the world prosper.”