U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (July 19) hailed the 2026 World Cup as "one of the greatest events of any kind ever held" after Spain beat defending champions Argentina 1-0 in an extra-time final at MetLife Stadium.

Trump, who attended the match alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and later presented the trophy to the Spanish players, praised the tournament and said it showcased the United States to the world.

"I thought FIFA was incredible," Trump told reporters after returning to Washington aboard Air Force One. "This was one of the greatest events of any kind ever held."

Spain claimed their second World Cup title when substitute Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute of a tense and largely cagey final, ending Argentina's hopes of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the trophy.

Asked whether he was disappointed to see Argentina lose, Trump said both teams had performed well but that Spain deserved the victory.

"No, I wasn't sad," Trump said. "I think they both played well. I would say Spain played better, really."

Trump also said he had spoken with Spanish officials after the match, including the country's prime minister, to congratulate them.

"I spoke to Spain and I congratulated them on having a great team," he said.

The World Cup final ended amid heated scenes as players from both sides became involved in a confrontation after the final whistle, following a match in which Argentina finished with 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernandez was sent off in stoppage time.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES (JULY 19, 2026) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

1. U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, COMING DOWN THE STAIRS OF AIR FORCE ONE

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, IN EXCHANGE WITH OFF-CAMERA REPORTERS, SAYING: (SOUNDBITE BEGINS WITH TRUMP APPROACHING THE REPORTERS)

TRUMP: “I thought FIFA was incredible. There has never been anything like it, probably in terms of an event, let alone soccer or football, whatever you want to call it. But I thought it was incredible. It was four times greater than any FIFA ever held, and it's probably about five times actually, they're telling me today. So we're very proud of our country. We're very proud of the job that was done by everybody. We congratulate Gianni Infantino and all of his staff and the incredible job they did. But this was one of the greatest events of any kind ever held. So we're really happy that it did so well. And all over the world people have come and they've loved our country, you know, showing off our country in a different light. And, it was a great thing. It was a great event. And I'm glad you all enjoyed it.”

REPORTER: “Are you sad Argentina lost?”

TRUMP: “No, I wasn’t sad. I think they both played well. I would say Spain played better, really. But, they both played well and they got to the finals and, it was very exciting, actually. It looked like Spain dominated, but it was a very close match. So it was a great event.”

3. TRUMP SPEAKING WITH REPORTERS

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, IN EXCHANGE WITH OFF-CAMERA REPORTER, SAYING:

REPORTER: “Did you have a chance to talk to the Prime Minister of Spain as well?”

TRUMP: “I did. I spoke to Spain and I congratulated them on having a great team. I really spoke to a lot of people.”

5. TRUMP SPEAKING WITH REPORTERS

6. TRUMP THANKING REPORTERS AND WALKING AWAY