Donald Trump’s appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey on July 13 went viral—not for the match, but for his awkward role during the trophy ceremony.
Chelsea defeated PSG 3–0 at MetLife Stadium, with goals from Cole Palmer and João Pedro. After the match, Trump joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino to present the trophy but refused to step aside, lingering on stage as Chelsea players awkwardly celebrated around him.
According to USA Today, Palmer asked captain Reece James, “Wait, wait, what’s he doing?” James reportedly asked Trump to move but got no reply. Palmer later said he didn’t expect Trump to be standing “where we lift the trophy.”
Clips show Chelsea players visibly unsure how to proceed. Online reactions mocked Trump’s behavior, with one Reddit user comparing it to “a child trying to blow out someone else’s birthday candles.”
Trump was also booed by some in the crowd, The Guardian reported. Speaking to DAZN, he praised FIFA and called the match “a little bit of an upset.”
With the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, speculation is growing over Trump’s potential involvement if reelected. Vice President JD Vance said earlier this year that the event will welcome fans from “close to 100 countries.”