Donald Trump’s FIFA Club World Cup Appearance Baffles Players and Ignites Online Debate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s presence at the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13 stirred widespread attention—not for the match itself, but for a bizarre on-stage moment that left Chelsea players visibly perplexed and the internet buzzing.
Chelsea’s Big Win Takes a Back Seat
The final, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, saw Chelsea dominate Paris Saint-Germain with a 3-0 victory. Cole Palmer netted two goals, and new addition João Pedro added a third, giving the English side a clear lead early in the match. PSG’s frustrations peaked when João Neves was sent off with a straight red card, further sealing their defeat.
But despite Chelsea’s triumph, much of the post-match chatter wasn’t about their performance—it was about Trump’s unexpected behavior during the trophy ceremony.
Trump Refuses to Exit the Podium
As Chelsea captain Reece James prepared to hoist the trophy, Trump appeared alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino to present the award. While Infantino promptly stepped away after the handover, Trump lingered awkwardly on the stage, causing confusion among the players.
According to USA Today, Palmer turned to James in disbelief and asked, “Wait, wait, what’s he doing?” James is said to have directly asked Trump whether he intended to leave, but received no clear response. Palmer later admitted he had anticipated Trump’s attendance but didn’t expect him to remain on the winner’s podium: “It threw me off a bit.”
Internet Reacts with Humor and Frustration
Social media erupted with commentary. A top comment on Reddit likened the situation to “a kid at someone else’s birthday party trying to blow out the candles.” Others called it “cringe-worthy” and “humiliating,” with several users pointing out Infantino’s seemingly futile efforts to usher Trump offstage.
Trump Weighs In on Soccer’s Growth and Future U.S. Role
Following the event, Trump spoke to DAZN, commending FIFA for the sport’s global rise and referring to the final as “a big thing.” He added, “Gianni’s a great friend of mine. It’s exciting to see this. Today’s game was a bit of a surprise, honestly. FIFA’s doing an incredible job—it’s only getting bigger.”
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, speculation is building about Trump’s potential involvement. Earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance joked about nearly damaging a trophy at a soccer event, expressing eagerness for the upcoming tournament and encouraging international fans to join in the celebrations.
One Final Moment, Plenty of Questions
Whether Trump’s lingering stage presence was a political gesture or a misunderstanding, it’s clear that his appearance didn’t go unnoticed. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, fans and players alike may be wondering: will the next global soccer celebration bring more unexpected moments from the former president?