Chelsea Wins Club World Cup Amid Trump Trophy Ceremony Controversy

At the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, Chelsea secured a remarkable 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, with Cole Palmer starring in the match. The post-match trophy ceremony was notably overshadowed by U.S. President Donald Trump's unexpected and prolonged presence on stage, where he received a winners' medal from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and controversially claimed to hold the original trophy in the Oval Office, leaving Chelsea with a replica. Trump's involvement drew mixed reactions: while Infantino appeared pleased, Chelsea players, including Palmer and Levi Colwill, expressed surprise and discomfort at his extended stay during their celebration. The crowd reacted with loud boos both during the match and as Trump took the field for the trophy presentation, highlighting the polarized reception. Trump's comments on football as a growing sport and his political remarks during a post-match interview further underlined the event's politicization, contrasting with the otherwise jubilant sporting occasion. This intersection of sport and politics came amid the buildup to the United States co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, suggesting a complex dynamic in international football diplomacy.