Donald Trump ruthlessly booed at World Cup final seconds after national anthem
Donald Trump ruthlessly booed at World Cup final seconds after national anthem
Andrew Gamble Sun, July 19, 2026 at 7:17 PM UTC
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Donald Trump was booed after the national anthem -Credit:Getty Images
Argentina and Spain fans put their rivalry to one side to boo Donald Trump in unison when the president was shown on the screen at the World Cup Final.
Trump’s presence at the World Cup Final has been known for some time. Federal agents, local law enforcement, and private security firms have reportedly been planning Sunday's security operation for roughly two years, anticipating the president’s eventual attendance at the tournament's culminating match.
However, technical issues meant plenty of spectators and media members were delayed entry to MetLife Stadium as measures were implemented amid Trump’s decision to attend. This, along with his generally unfavored reputation following his decision to intervene in the Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, led to an incredibly mixed reception.
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Ahead of kickoff, and just seconds after the national anthem ended, Trump was shown on the jumbo screens inside MetLife Stadium. An audible shift from the cheers of the national anthem turned to boos, whistles, and jeers for the president, who arrived via Marine One helicopter and dramatically flew over MetLife Stadium before kickoff.
The helicopter flew incredibly close to the stadium, sending ripples through the crowd as fans looked up and cheered before seemingly realizing who was arriving.
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Trump had hoped to avoid a repeat of his viral New York Knicks meme, while security did not leave any stone unturned when it came to security. F-16 fighter jets, military marksmen, and thousands of FBI agents will be deployed to protect MetLife Stadium and the surrounding airspace.
The match was designated a "Level 1" special event, the highest security classification available in the U.S., placing it on par with presidential inaugurations and State of the Union addresses. A strictly enforced no-fly zone will cover the New York and New Jersey area from Friday through Sunday's World Cup final, with snipers positioned on stadium rooftops and a heavily reinforced perimeter expected to cause significant delays for fans.
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Donald Trump arrived at MetLife Stadium on Marine One -Credit:Getty Images
Once the game is over and either Spain or Argentina emerge victorious, Trump is expected to present the iconic World Cup trophy to the triumphant captain alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The 80-year-old was involved in the celebrations when Chelsea hoisted the trophy following victory in the Club World Cup Final last summer over Paris Saint-Germain.
Trump and Infantino have fostered a uniquely close relationship. Their relationship is unlike any seen between a FIFA president and a world leader, culminating in the remarkable inaugural awarding of the FIFA Peace Prize last December at the World Cup draw.
Before the World Cup Final, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the scale of the security buildup. She framed Trump's presence as a capstone to the tournament's success.
“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure and most successful World Cup in American history,” Leavitt said.
Source: “AOL Sports”
