United States President Donald Trump reportedly gave the same congratulatory message to every player in Spain and Argentina during the medal ceremony after the final of the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a professional lip reader.Trump joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the podium after Spain beat 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 finale that saw Argentina finish with 10 men after Enzo Fernández’s second yellow card deep into stoppage time in normal time.The medal presentation featured several world leaders alongside FIFA officials, with Trump greeting each player individually before presenting the medals to the runners-up and the newly crowned champions.
The lip reader claimed that Trump repeated the same message
According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling of LipReader Ltd, Trump stuck to the same message as each player took the stage.Speaking to Glasses:Hickling claimed that Trump shook each player’s hand before telling them off. “You are a champion.”He added that Trump followed suit. “Outstanding player.”Instead of making a long conversation, the lip reader suggests the US President repeat the same words to each player as they place the medal around their neck or briefly pat it on the chest before they move to the presentation line.
President Donald J. Trump presents Spain’s winner Ferran Torres (7) with a medal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
World leaders joined the medal ceremony
Trump attended the presentation with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum after 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, NJ, near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain’s win also extended their unbeaten international run to 38 games, the longest streak in international football history, as Luis de la Fuente’s side completed another major win following their success in the European Championship.
Trump also became a talking point after the trophy presentation
Although the spotlight belonged to Spain’s players, Trump also became one of the main talking points after the final whistle.As Rodri prepared to lift the World Cup trophy with his teammates, television cameras showed Trump remaining on the podium during the celebrations before Gianni Infantino entered and appeared to be sidelined so Spain could enjoy the traditional trophy-raising photo.Trump then moved from center stage as Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy.
Spain’s players, from left, cheer with President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the end of the World Cup championship final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, NJ, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The moment echoed his prominent participation in the FIFA Club World Cup final earlier in the year, although on this occasion his participation in the celebrations was shorter.
The latter is overshadowed by the later controversy
The medal ceremony followed a significant conclusion to the tournament.Spain controlled most of the final before Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute of extra time.Argentina’s hopes suffered a major blow after Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to battle into extra time with 10 men.After the final whistle, the celebrations were briefly overshadowed by a mass confrontation involving players from both teams. Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card after being involved in an argument with players in Spain, while Nahuel Molina was also one of the centers of the post-match scuffles.Also read: Argentina star sent off after grabbing Spain player’s throat in ugly scenes at World Cup finalDespite the chaotic ending, the formal medal presentation went ahead as scheduled, with Trump congratulating both squads. According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, every player, whether they’re wearing a winner’s or runner-up medal, receives the same message from the US President. “You’re a champ” followed by “Amazing player.”