*This content was translated by AI.
Global criticism has poured in over U.S. President Donald Trump's conduct at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup award ceremony. The backlash stems from his refusal to leave the podium even after handing the championship trophy to the players, ultimately resulting in him being captured alongside the trophy ceremony.
On the 20th (Korean time), President Trump attended the award ceremony following Spain's victory over Argentina in the final match held at New Jersey Stadium in New York, USA. He personally shook hands with every player and official who ascended the podium to offer his congratulations.
The controversial scene emerged during the "trophy ceremony," a highlight of the award event. This occurred immediately after he handed the World Cup trophy to Spanish captain Rodri (Manchester City) alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
It is standard practice for the presenter to descend from the podium and step aside after handing the trophy to the winning team, ensuring that all attention remains solely on the victorious players who are the true protagonists under the spotlight.
However, President Trump lingered on the podium rather than descending, standing beside Pedri (Barcelona) as he prepared for the victory celebration. Even during the "Highlight" moment when captain Rodri lifted the trophy and the Spanish national team players celebrated together, he remained positioned next to the Spanish squad on the podium. In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) appeared visibly unsure of what to do beside him.
Trump's tone-deaf behavior at the World Cup final, which already drew global attention, ultimately became a subject of worldwide mockery via social media (SNS).
Football360 Australia criticized, "President Trump intruded into the World Cup award ceremony. In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) attempted to pull him down but it was futile," while JM News Network pointed out, "President Trump refused to leave the podium until the Spanish national team lifted the trophy."
Another outlet, SuperTV, reported that "President Trump did not want photos of the award ceremony without him included," and PolyMarketFC criticized that "President Trump wanted to appear in World Cup award ceremony photos at any cost."
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*This content was translated by AI.
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