Argentina's Cristian Romero appeared to snub US President Donald Trump's handshake during the presentation of runners-up medals at the 2026 World Cup final. The Tottenham defender, 28, looked past Trump as he shook hands with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum, who flanked Trump on the podium.
Spain wins World Cup in extra time
Spain claimed the World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in extra time. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal after Argentina were reduced to 10 men following Enzo Fernandez's dismissal in the 93rd minute.
Despite being substituted during an underwhelming display, Romero still managed to leave his mark on proceedings by apparently blanking Trump altogether. Footage that has since gone viral across social media shows Romero shaking hands with both Infantino and Sheinbaum, but looking straight past the US president standing between them as Trump assisted in distributing medals.
Awkward moments for Trump
Whether the gesture was deliberate remains uncertain, though a significant number of online commentators appeared convinced it was a clear 'snub'. The uncomfortable moment with Trump represented the third in a hat trick of awkward incidents for the US president.
Shortly before kick-off, Trump appeared on the giant screens inside MetLife Stadium. The cheers that had accompanied the national anthem just moments earlier swiftly transformed into a chorus of boos, whistles, and jeers aimed at the president, who had touched down via Marine One helicopter and executed a dramatic flyover of MetLife Stadium before kick-off.
High security for 'Level 1' event
Trump had been determined to prevent a repeat of his viral New York Knicks moment, while security teams took no chances. F-16 fighter jets, military marksmen, and thousands of FBI agents were positioned to protect MetLife Stadium and the surrounding airspace. The fixture had been classified as a 'Level 1' special event — the most elevated security designation in the US — placing it alongside presidential inaugurations and State of the Union addresses.
Crowd jeers and Trump lingers on stage
Matters didn't improve for Trump following the final whistle, with jubilant Spaniards momentarily joining forces with Argentinians in the crowd as the entire stadium erupted into boos and jeers shortly after the conclusion of the match. Footage circulated on social media captured crowds heckling the 47th president as he made his way across the turf towards the centre of the pitch to present Spain with the World Cup trophy.
Appearing unfazed by the hostile crowd, Trump subsequently declined to vacate the podium after handing Spain the World Cup trophy, rendering his presence even more uncomfortable. Spanish players made their way onto the podium one by one to receive their medals, before Trump and Infantino handed over the trophy. However, rather than stepping back once the presentation concluded, Trump remained on stage, shaking hands with players and punching the air as festivities kicked off. Infantino appeared to attempt to guide a seemingly hesitant Trump away from the squad, yet the president continued to stand to the right of the team as they celebrated, casting a shadow over what should have been Spain's defining trophy-lift moment.
