United States President Donald Trump reportedly delivered the same congratulatory message to every Spain and Argentina player during the medal ceremony following the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, according to a professional lip reader.Trump joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the podium after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the New York New Jersey Stadium to claim their second World Cup title. Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner settled a tense final that saw Argentina finish with 10 men after Enzo Fernández’s second yellow card deep into stoppage time of normal time.The medal presentation featured several world leaders alongside FIFA officials, with Trump greeting every player individually before presenting medals to the runners-up and the newly crowned champions.
Lip reader claims Trump repeated the same message
According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling of LipReader Ltd, Trump stuck to an identical message as each player arrived on stage.Speaking to the Mirror, Hickling claimed Trump shook hands with every player before telling them: “You are a champ.”She added that Trump then followed it with: “Amazing player.”Rather than holding lengthy conversations, the lip reader suggested the US President repeated the same words to each player while either placing the medal around their neck or briefly patting them on the chest before they moved along the presentation line.
President Donald J. Trump gives Spain’s Ferran Torres (7) winners metal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
World leaders joined medal ceremony
Trump attended the presentation alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum following the conclusion of the tournament.The leaders took part in the official medal presentation after Spain ended a memorable campaign by defeating defending champions Argentina in extra time.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, left, is greeted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald J. Trump during the presentation ceremony after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain’s victory also extended their unbeaten international run to 38 matches, the longest streak in international football history, as Luis de la Fuente’s side completed another major triumph following their European Championship success.
Trump again becomes talking point after trophy presentation
Although the spotlight belonged to Spain’s players, Trump again became one of the major talking points after the final whistle.As Rodri prepared to lift the World Cup trophy alongside his teammates, television cameras showed Trump remaining on the podium during the celebrations before Gianni Infantino stepped in and appeared to usher him aside so Spain could enjoy the traditional trophy-lift photograph.Trump then moved away from the centre of the stage while Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy.
Spain players, from left, cheer alongside President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the conclusion of the World Cup championship final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The moment echoed his prominent involvement at the FIFA Club World Cup final earlier in the year, although on this occasion his participation in the celebrations was considerably shorter.
Final overshadowed by late controversy
The medal ceremony followed an eventful conclusion to the tournament.Spain controlled much of the final before Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute of extra time.Argentina’s hopes had already suffered a major setback after Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time of normal time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to contest extra time with 10 men.After the final whistle, celebrations were briefly overshadowed by a mass confrontation involving players from both teams. Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card after becoming involved in an altercation with Spain players, while Nahuel Molina was also among those at the centre of the post-match scuffles.Also read: Argentina star sent off after grabbing Spain player’s throat in ugly World Cup final scenesDespite the chaotic ending, the formal medal presentation proceeded as scheduled, with Trump congratulating both squads individually. According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, every player, regardless of whether they wore a winners’ or runners-up medal, received exactly the same message from the US President: “You are a champ” followed by “Amazing player.”
