Trump removal from FIFA World Cup photo called into question

Key Points:

• President Trump was notably absent from the Spanish soccer team’s championship photo after their World Cup win, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino gently leading him away from the spotlight during the ceremony at MetLife Stadium.
• Loud boos were reportedly heard from the crowd when Trump and Infantino took the stage, although there appeared to be no tension between the Spanish players and the two during the trophy presentation.
• Trump’s international unpopularity is highlighted by a Pew Research poll showing only 23% global confidence in his leadership, alongside a modest 37% approval rating in the U.S.
• The President previously inserted himself into the tournament by calling FIFA to contest a player suspension, which was later overturned, and controversially received the newly created FIFA Peace Prize despite ongoing geopolitical conflicts.
• This event marked the second recent instance of Trump being booed at a major New York sporting event, following jeers at an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden last month.