The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium was supposed to be Chelsea’s crowning moment – and it was. But somehow, U.S. President Donald Trump managed to steal a good chunk of the spotlight.
Chelsea cruised to a 3–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to a first-half blitz which featured two goals from Cole Palmer and a third from João Pedro.
The win made them the inaugural champions of the newly expanded tournament. But while the football was world-class, the post-match scenes were anything but typical.
Trump arrived with First Lady Melania Trump to a mixed reception.
Applause greeted them at first, but when the stadium’s big screen showed Trump during the national anthem, boos rippled through the crowd.That reaction didn’t seem to faze him. He smiled, waved, and later joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the pitch for the medal ceremony.
How did things get awkward?
Here’s where things got awkward. After handing Chelsea captain Reece James the trophy, Trump didn’t exit the stage as expected. Instead, he lingered – front and center – as the players hesitated, unsure whether to proceed with their celebration.
Eventually, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez gave James the nod, and the team lifted the trophy with Trump standing smack in the middle of the photo op.
The surreal moment sparked confusion among fans and players alike. Palmer admitted he was surprised to see Trump on the podium during the lift, while James said he had been told Trump would leave the stage beforehand.
Social media lit up when footage appeared to show Infantino handing Trump a winner’s medal. FIFA hasn’t confirmed whether it was symbolic or official, but the image of Trump grinning with the medal added fuel to the fire.
The spectacle did not end there. The halftime show featured Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly, turning the final into a full-blown entertainment event.
Trump watched from a VIP suite alongside a cast of political and celebrity figures, including Tom Brady, Rupert Murdoch, Pam Bondi, and Kristi Noem.
This was not just another football match – it was a collision of sport, politics, and showbiz. And with the 2026 World Cup looming, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, it’s clear that Trump intends to play a visible role. He’s already formed a White House task force to oversee preparations.
Whether people loved it or cringed through it, Trump’s presence at the Club World Cup final was unforgettable. And if this is a preview of what’s to come, next year’s World Cup might be the most unpredictable yet.
