Argentina centre-back Cristian Romero notably declined to shake hands with US President Donald Trump during the medal presentation following the 2026 World Cup final. The incident occurred at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey after Argentina suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain, who secured their second World Cup title courtesy of Ferran Torres's 106th-minute winner.
Romero, a 28-year-old Tottenham Hotspur defender, had started the match at the heart of the Argentine defence alongside Lisandro Martinez but was substituted in the 70th minute due to what appeared to be an injury. Despite his early exit from the pitch, he returned for the ceremony where he was presented with a runners-up medal. While Romero shook hands with both FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who flanked Trump, he bypassed the US President.
Donald Trump was involved in presenting medals to both teams, as well as the individual tournament awards. His presence at the stadium was met with significant audible negativity, with loud jeers and whistles heard from the crowd as he walked onto the pitch alongside Infantino. The ambient crowd noise reportedly increased from approximately 78 decibels to 84 decibels during the booing.
This is not the first time Trump's involvement in a football celebration has drawn attention. Last summer, he made headlines when Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup at the same venue, joining captain Reece James in lifting the trophy. Following Spain's victory and the trophy presentation, Trump reportedly moved to ensure he was in the photo opportunity before Infantino subtly attempted to guide him away from the main group.
Romero was a key part of the Argentina squad that triumphed at the World Cup in Qatar four years ago. However, their bid to retain the title was unsuccessful, with their performance in the final described as insipid by some commentators, ultimately costing them the coveted trophy.