US President Donald Trump gave the same congratulatory message to all Spain and Argentina players during the medal ceremony after the 2026 FIFA World Cup 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 in stoppage time of normal time.The medal presentation featured several world leaders alongside FIFA officials, with Trump greeting each player individually before presenting medals to the finalists and newly crowned champions.
The lip reader says Trump repeated the same message
According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling of LipReader Ltd, Trump stuck to an identical message as each player took to the stage.Speaking to the mirrorHickling said Trump shook hands with each player before telling them, “You’re a champion.”She added that Trump then followed up with: “Unbelievable player.”Rather than holding long conversations, the lip reader suggested that the US president repeated the same words to each player as he either placed the medal around his neck or patted it briefly on his chest before moving on to the presentation line.
President Donald J. Trump gives Spain’s winner Ferran Torres (7) the 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 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 presentation of the medal after Spain ended a memorable campaign by defeating defending champions Argentina in extra time.
Spain 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 win also extended their international unbeaten 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 made a point of discussion after the presentation of the trophy
Although the spotlight belongs to the players of Spain, Trump is again one of the main points of discussion 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 entered and appeared to leave it so Spain could enjoy the traditional trophy photograph.Trump then walked away from center stage as Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy.
Spanish players, from left, cheer alongside President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the conclusion of the World Cup 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 participation in 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 most 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 for a reckless challenge on Pau Cubarsí, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to contest extra time with 10 men.After the final whistle, the celebrations were briefly overshadowed by a mass clash involving players from both teams. Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card after being involved in an altercation with Spain players, while Nahuel Molina was also among those at the center of the post-match scuffles.Also read: Argentina star feels off after grabbing Spain player’s throat in ugly World Cup final scenesDespite the chaotic ending, the formal medal presentation proceeded as planned, with Trump congratulating both teams individually. According to professional lip reader Nicola Hickling, every player, regardless of whether they were wearing a winners or runners-up medal, received exactly the same message from the US president: “You’re a champion” followed by “Amazing player”.