House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said President Donald Trump “disgraced himself” during the trophy ceremony following the World Cup final.
Speaking at a Capitol Hill news conference, Jeffries said Trump sought attention rather than stepping aside during Spain’s celebration.
“He’s always chasing attention,” Jeffries said. “He disgraced himself after the World Cup final. He looked like the old man in a club that no one wanted around and he’s the only one that couldn’t figure it out.”
Jeffries said the episode reflected Trump’s focus on the spotlight instead of the country’s challenges. The remarks came as House Democratic leaders outlined their messaging ahead of the midterm elections.
What happened at the World Cup Final
Trump attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. After Spain defeated Argentina 1-0, he joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino in presenting the trophy.
Instead of leaving the stage after the presentation, Trump remained alongside Spain’s players until he was eventually ushered away.
Fans also booed as Trump walked onto the field for the ceremony.
The final featured a red card for Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández after a reckless challenge before Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who entered in the 62nd minute, scored the winning goal in the 106th minute of extra time to secure Spain’s second men’s World Cup title.
The White House later shared footage of Trump’s appearance on X but did not include the moment in which he remained on stage during the celebration.
The political backdrop
Jeffries’ remarks came during the same week the House approved a Democratic-backed war powers resolution seeking to limit Trump’s military action against Iran.
The chamber passed the measure 214-208, marking the second war powers resolution approved by the House since the conflict began, though it is not legally binding.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal sponsored the resolution. Four Republicans — Tom Barrett of Michigan, Warren Davidson of Ohio, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania — joined all Democrats in voting for it.
The vote came as the number of U.S. military casualties continued to rise, with 18 service members reported killed since U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran began in February.
Senate Democrats later attempted to pass a similar resolution, but it failed 47-49.
Trump dismissed both efforts as “meaningless” and accused Democrats supporting them of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Trump’s history of high-profile sports appearances
The World Cup ceremony was not the first time Trump faced criticism for remaining on stage during a trophy presentation.
He did the same after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain.
That appearance coincided with the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination against Trump. He attended the match with family members, friends, and advisers.
Trump was booed as he walked onto the field alongside Infantino but later received cheers while celebrating with Chelsea players and lifting the trophy alongside captain Reece James.
