US President Donald Trump sent the same message of congratulations to every Spanish and Argentinian player at the awards ceremony following the 2026 World Cup final, according to a professional lip reader.Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the podium after Spain won its second World Cup title, beating Argentina 1-0 in overtime at the New Jersey Stadium in New York. Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner ended a tense final that saw Argentina finish with 10 men after Enzo Fernandez picked up a second yellow card in stoppage time of normal time.At a medal ceremony attended by several world leaders along with FIFA officials, Trump greeted each player individually before presenting medals to the runners-up and newly crowned champions.
Lip reader claims Trump repeated same message
According to Nicola Hickling, a professional lip reader at LipReader Ltd, Trump stuck to the same message as each contestant took the stage.Towards MirrorHicklin claimed Trump shook each player’s hand before telling them: “You’re a champion.”She added that Trump then said: “Awesome player.”Lip readers advised the President of the United States not to engage in long conversations and instead repeat the same words to each player while hanging the medal around their neck or lightly pat their chest before they moved along the medal line.
President Donald J. Trump presents Spain’s Ferran Torres (No. 7) with metal during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
World leaders attended the medal awarding ceremony
After the World Cup, Trump attended the awards ceremony with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.The leaders attended the official awards ceremony after Spain beat defending champions Argentina in extra time to cap off a memorable match.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente (left) is greeted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald J. Trump during a ceremony during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, July 19, 2026, near New York. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain’s victory also extended their unbeaten run in international competition to 38 games, the longest unbeaten streak in international football history, and Luis de la Fuente’s side followed up their European Cup triumph with another major victory.
Trump becomes topic of conversation again after awards ceremony
Although the spotlight belonged to the Spanish players, Trump was once again one of the main talking points after the final whistle.As Rodri prepared to lift the World Cup trophy with his teammates, TV cameras showed Trump remaining on the podium during the celebrations before Gianni Infantino stepped in and appeared to usher him aside so Spain could enjoy the traditional photo of lifting the trophy.Trump then left center stage while Spain celebrated the World Cup trophy.
Spanish players (from left) cheer with President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the match between Spain and Argentina in the World Cup championship final on Sunday, July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Martin)
The moment echoed his outstanding performance in the FIFA Club World Cup final earlier this year, although his participation in the celebrations was much shorter this time.
Finals overshadowed by late controversy
After the successful conclusion of the competition, an award ceremony was held.Spain controlled much of the final until Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute of extra time.Argentina’s hopes had already suffered a major setback when Enzo Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge on Paolo Cubasi, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to go into extra-time with 10 men.Massive clashes between players from both sides briefly overshadowed the celebrations after the final whistle. Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card after an altercation with a Spanish player, while Nahuel Molina was also at the center of the post-match melee.Also read: Argentina star chokes Spanish player and sent off in ugly scenes at World Cup finalDespite the chaotic ending, the official medal ceremony went ahead as scheduled, with Trump congratulating both teams. According to professional lip-reader Nicola Hickling, every player, whether wearing a championship or runner-up medal, received exactly the same message from the US president: “You are a champion,” followed by “Awesome player.”
