Spanish soccer star mimics Trump's viral dance in front of him during World Cup final celebrations
WASHINGTON, DC: Spain's midfielder Mikel Merino couldn't help but imitate President Donald Trump's celebratory dance right after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Trump was on the stage to present the players with their trophy before the celebratory lift. He was representing the United States as one of the tournament's three host nations, alongside Mexico and Canada.
A moment of shared celebration
Merino, clearly swept up in the excitement of the win, responded by doing Trump's viral dance step right in front of him.
Merino imitates Trump's dance as he walks by 😭#ESPARG#Trump pic.twitter.com/KkkOJljURS
— Just Football (@JustFootball_20) July 20, 2026
The exchange appeared to be a light-hearted, in-the-moment reaction to watching the now-famous move performed live, rather than any kind of pointed statement, a natural byproduct of a viral dance that has taken on a life of its own well beyond politics.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has developed a close working relationship with Trump throughout the tournament, ultimately guided the president off the stage so Spain's players could have their trophy-lifting moment in full.
Trump had earlier played a hands-on role in the tournament as well, including presenting Spain's players with their medals.
MIKEL MERINO 🕺🕺
— Siaran Bola Live (@SiaranBolaLive) July 21, 2026
HE IS HAHAHAHA pic.twitter.com/TTGXPJMZW1
A high-profile finish to a successful tournament
The victory marked one of the most impressive runs in the tournament's history. Spain allowed just one goal throughout the tournament, successfully shutting down Argentina's attack in a tough extra-time win in the final. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match.
The Belgian national team also did the Trump dance step during their 4-1 Round of 16 battering of the US men's national team. This came after Trump's reported intervention with FIFA regarding a red card decision involving US striker Folarin Balogun.
After Belgium scored their 4th goal vs USA, the whole team mocked President Donald Trump by doing his signature dance move
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) July 7, 2026
Pretty savage troll, especially on US soil & after Trump fought to have FIFA review the bogus red card suspension on Balogun.
Well played 🤝 pic.twitter.com/HRgRwUUzNH
The tournament itself wrapped up as a resounding success for organizers across the US, Mexico and Canada, with Spain's win marking the country's second World Cup title.
The event now hands off to 2030, when the centennial edition of the World Cup will be jointly hosted across six countries on three continents, continuing the tournament's expanding global footprint.
