United States President Donald Trump reportedly delivered the same message of thanks to every player from Spain and Argentina at the medal ceremony following the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, according to a lip-reading expert.Trump joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the podium after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time at New York’s New Jersey Stadium to claim their second World Cup title. Ferran Torres’ winner in the 106th minute ended the finale which saw Argentina finish with 10 men after Enzo Fernández received a second yellow card in stoppage time.The medal presentation was attended by a number of world leaders along with FIFA officials, with Trump greeting each player individually before handing out medals to the finalists and the newly selected.
Lip readers say Trump repeated the same message
According to lip reader Nicola Hickling of LipReader Ltd, Trump stuck to the same message as each actor took to the stage.Talking with glassHickling said Trump shook hands with each of the players before telling them: “You’re a genius.”He added that Trump followed suit: “Amazing actor.”Instead of a long discussion, the lip reader encouraged the US President to repeat the same words to each player while placing the medal around their neck or patting it on their chest before moving to the presentation line.
President Donald J. Trump awards Spain’s forward Ferran Torres (7) a medal during the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
World leaders joined the medal ceremony
Trump attended the meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum after the tournament.The leaders took part in the official medal presentation after Spain completed a memorable campaign by defeating defending champions Argentina in extra time.
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente, left, is greeted by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald J. Trump during a presentation ceremony after the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Spain’s win extended their unbeaten international run to 38, the longest in international football history, as Luis de la Fuente’s side completed another impressive run following their European Championship victory.
Trump is also sitting in the post-democracy debate
Despite the criticism of the Spanish players, Trump also became one of the main topics of discussion after the final whistle.As Rodri prepared to lift the World Cup trophy alongside his team-mates, television cameras showed Trump remaining on the pitch during the celebrations before Gianni Infantino joined in and appeared to take him aside so Spain could enjoy a trophy photo.Trump then left center stage as Spain celebrated with the World Cup trophy.
Spanish players, from left, celebrate with President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the end of the World Cup soccer final between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The moment also covered his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup earlier in the year, although on this occasion his participation in the festivities was very short-lived.
The latter is covered by late arguments
The medal ceremony followed the final events of the competition.Spain dominated most of the final period before Ferran Torres broke the deadlock in the 106th minute of extra time.Argentina’s hopes took a major setback when Enzo Fernández was sent off in stoppage time for a careless challenge on Pau CubarsÃ, leaving Lionel Scaloni’s side to face extra time with 10 men.After the final whistle, the celebrations were slightly overshadowed by a huge fight involving players from both teams. Leandro Paredes was shown a straight red card after clashing with Spanish players, while Nahuel Molina was also at the center of the game.Also read: The Argentinian star was sent off after grabbing a Spain player’s neck during an infamous World Cup matchDespite the chaotic ending, the medal presentation went ahead as planned, with Trump praising both teams individually. According to lip reader Nicola Hickling, every player, regardless of whether they wore a medal or a runner, received the same message from the US President: “You are a hero” followed by “Amazing player.”