US President Donald Trump was met with widespread boos during Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy presentation at a sold-out MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, as the final of the newly expanded tournament concluded amid intense heat and heightened security.
Trump, who was front and centre for the post-match proceedings, appeared on the stadium’s video boards during the US national anthem and again as he accompanied FIFA president Gianni Infantino to the stage to present medals, individual awards, and the championship trophy. On both occasions, he was loudly booed by large sections of the crowd.
Later, Trump and Infantino jointly carried the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea’s players on stage. As captain Reece James lifted the trophy and the team celebrated, Infantino discreetly moved out of the frame, leaving Trump prominently visible during the televised moment.
The match, which kicked off at 3pm local time after a brief delay, capped a controversial tournament that has drawn criticism for its timing, format, and weather conditions. With temperatures reaching 29°C (85°F), fans faced long queues due to ramped-up security. Secret Service agents were stationed at all entry points, and Trump’s motorcade entered through a special access route near the players’ tunnel.
For this final, the traditional playing of the national anthem, usually scheduled an hour before kick-off, was moved to moments before the match began, due to Trump’s presence. His appearance on the big screen during the anthem was met with several seconds of booing, marking a politically charged moment in what is typically a celebration of global football.
Trump was joined in the luxury box by Infantino, former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports pundit Tom Brady, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, and members of his cabinet, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem. Also present was the Club World Cup trophy itself, which had notably been displayed in the Oval Office after Infantino presented it to Trump earlier this year.
The final featured Chelsea, owned by a consortium led by American billionaire Todd Boehly, who joined Trump, Infantino, and PSG chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi on stage after the match.
Infantino’s increasingly close association with Trump has raised eyebrows within the global football community. In a February address to the International Football Association Board, Infantino described his relationship with Trump as “absolutely crucial.” The FIFA president has appeared alongside Trump on multiple occasions, including a White House ceremony announcing the launch of a World Cup task force.
Infantino also attended the task force’s inaugural meeting, seated next to Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance. He later accompanied Trump on a diplomatic visit to the Middle East, an engagement that caused him to miss the FIFA Congress in Paraguay, prompting walkouts from frustrated delegates.
