President Donald Trump faced a mixed reception from soccer fans at the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he was repeatedly booed during key moments of the championship match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
The most audible jeering occurred when Trump appeared on the stadium’s jumbotron during the United States national anthem before the match. Forbes reported that the crowd erupted in boos for several seconds before the camera quickly cut away from the President, who was shown saluting alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Trump’s presence at the match was particularly notable as it marked the first anniversary of the assassination attempt against him at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, clipping Trump’s ear before being killed by counter-snipers.
The President was invited to present the trophy to the winning team following Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. However, his participation in the trophy ceremony created an awkward situation that confused players and fans alike. After handing the trophy to Chelsea Captain Reece James, Trump continued to remain on stage, positioning himself prominently in the celebration.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who scored twice in the victory and was named player of the tournament, expressed his bewilderment at the situation. Palmer later said, “I was a bit confused.” He indicated that while he knew Trump would be present, he did not expect the President to remain on the platform during the team’s trophy lift.
James appeared to ask Trump directly whether he planned to leave the stage, as convention typically dictates after trophy presentations. The Chelsea captain later told reporters that officials had informed him Trump would present the trophy and then exit the stage, but Trump chose to remain for the celebration. James noted that Trump’s continued presence probably highlighted the significance of the tournament.
FIFA President Infantino could be seen unsuccessfully attempting to guide Trump away from the team’s celebration area to avoid obstructing the players’ moment. Eventually, Infantino managed to move Trump to the back of the group so Palmer and other players could enjoy the spotlight, though not before the White House secured the photo opportunities they desired.
The booing was not limited to the national anthem sequence. Fans directed additional jeers toward Trump when he walked onto the pitch with Infantino for the trophy presentation ceremony. The crowd’s reaction included a mix of boos, cheers, applause, and whistling, with stadium officials ultimately increasing the volume of music to drown out the negative reactions.
Trump’s attendance at the match included presenting individual awards to players, including the Golden Ball to Palmer for his tournament performance and the Golden Glove to Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. He also placed medals around the necks of match referees, during which the crowd’s booing intensified when Trump and Infantino posed for photographs with the officials.
The President’s entourage for the event included First Lady Melania Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, NFL legend Tom Brady, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch. The group occupied a midfield luxury box that also featured the Club World Cup trophy, which has been displayed in the Oval Office since Infantino presented it to Trump in March 2025.
Security measures at MetLife Stadium were significantly elevated from previous matches, with Secret Service agents posted at stadium gates. Trump’s motorcade entered through a special entrance adjacent to the players’ area approximately 30 minutes before the match, with temperatures reaching 85 degrees Fahrenheit for the delayed kickoff.
The event served as a preview for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will hold its final match at the same venue. Trump has established a White House task force to prepare for the tournament, which the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico. FIFA has strengthened its relationship with the Trump administration, recently opening an office in Trump Tower in New York City.
During a post-match interview, Trump reflected on the game and referenced soccer legend Pelé, whom he recalled watching play for the New York Cosmos at an earlier version of the stadium when Trump was younger. Speaking to reporters after the match, Trump described it as a great game with tremendous crowd participation, despite the mixed reception he received throughout the evening.
The Club World Cup final represented Trump’s continued involvement in major sporting events during his second term, following his attendance at college football games, NASCAR events, and Super Bowl LIX. The tournament was seen as a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup, though it faced criticism over commercial interests being prioritized over players’ health and fans’ experience.
