Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title on July 20, 2026, defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final. The triumph reignited discussions around the “Trump Curse” after former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly supported Argentina, citing Lionel Messi’s prowess and praising Argentine President Javier Milei as a “terrific” leader. This endorsement aligned with Trump’s history of backing teams that subsequently lose, a pattern that gained renewed attention during the tournament following the U.S. team’s early exit.
Trump, the first sitting U.S. president to attend a World Cup final on American soil, presented the trophy to Spain. However, his prolonged presence on stage during the celebration sparked criticism. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seen attempting to discreetly guide Trump away from the team, but the former president remained visible in the background as Spain lifted the trophy. Social media users labeled his actions “inappropriate” and “embarrassing,” drawing comparisons to a similar incident at Chelsea’s Club World Cup victory in 2025.
When questioned about future World Cup hosting, Trump proposed a dual-country strategy to mitigate backlash, suggesting FIFA announce the U.S. first followed by another nation. This comment came amid reports of FIFA projecting $15 billion in revenue from the 2026 tournament, a significant increase from initial estimates. The financial boost was attributed to the expanded format and rising global viewership, as confirmed to member associations by Infantino.
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