US President Donald Trump faced loud boos from the crowd during the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday but remained on stage as Chelsea FC celebrated their victory.
Trump appeared alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino to present the Club World Cup trophy, individual awards, and runners-up medals after Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain.
As Trump walked onto the field and was shown on the stadium video screens during the national anthem, the sold-out crowd responded with boos that lasted several seconds.
Despite the reaction, Trump stayed front and center for Chelsea’s trophy lift. After presenting the trophy with Infantino, the FIFA president moved out of camera frame, leaving Trump prominently visible as Chelsea captain Reece James hoisted the trophy with his teammates.
Tight Security and Delayed Kick-Off
Security at the stadium was heightened for the event, with Secret Service agents stationed at entrances. Fans faced long lines as temperatures reached 85°F (29°C). Kick-off was delayed by about eight minutes due to the added security measures.
Trump arrived at the stadium through a special entrance about 30 minutes before the match began. The US national anthem, which had been played an hour before kick-off at previous Club World Cup games, was moved to just before the match to coincide with Trump’s appearance. When his image appeared on the video boards during the anthem, the crowd responded with widespread jeers.
High-Profile Guests and FIFA Relations
Trump watched the match from a midfield luxury box alongside FIFA president Infantino, media mogul Rupert Murdoch, former NFL star Tom Brady, and several members of his cabinet, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Trump and Infantino have maintained close ties since the United States was awarded hosting rights for the expanded Club World Cup in 2023. Infantino has described his relationship with Trump as “absolutely crucial” for FIFA’s goals in the US and has appeared with him at multiple events, including a trophy presentation in the Oval Office earlier this year.
