FIFA President Gianni Infantino's trainers become unlikely talking point at the 2026 World Cup final

Yesterday (July 19), Spain triumphed over Argentina with a 1-0 victory in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Former Manchester City player Ferran Torres scored in the 106th minute, cementing Spain's first World Cup win since 2010.

But the game wasn't without its controversy.

After the final whistle, a brawl broke out on the pitch after defender Nahuel Molina appeared to take a swing at Spain's captain Rodri.

Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes allegedly pushed Eric Garcia by the throat, before grappling with Gavi.

Following the on-pitch carnage, the trophy ceremony took place, but was met with more boos from the crowd.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump took to the pitch to present Spain with the golden gong.

But in an unlikely turn of events, Infantino stole the spotlight from footballers with his bright white trainers, which had FIFA emblazoned across them.

Dressed in a navy suit, the trainers were hard to miss, and social media fans didn't waste a minute.

"As if you couldn't dislike Gianni Infantino enough, he turns up wearing plimsolls with a suit," one football fan tweeted. "I'm hearing reports that Wayne Rooney called him out. Rooney has gone up in my estimation. An utter disgrace."

Wayne Rooney also had some fashion advice for Gianni Infantino:

🗣️ “I’m speechless at Infantino’s trainers. He talks about everything else. He has to represent FIFA better than that.”

🗣️ “He looks stupid.” https://t.co/37o7qLyw7G pic.twitter.com/Jx3qX3KK2P

— Football Confidential 🌐 (@footballconfid1) July 19, 2026

"It's a red card from the fashion police," another joked.

A third added: "Did Infantino forget his shoes? White trainers to a suit? It’s not Miami Vice."

Wayne Rooney, who has not shied away from sharing his thoughts throughout the World Cup, called Infantino 'stupid' for his divisive fashion choice.

"I’m speechless at Infantino's trainers," he said live on air. "He has to represent FIFA better than that with those trainers on - stupid."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's trainers

Infantino has been criticised in the past for his footwear choices.

At the 2026 World Cup final, he appeared to be wearing custom white trainers with 'FIFA' emblazoned across them.

It's not the first time either, as Infantino was spotted wearing bespoke Stan Smith adidas sneakers at the World Cup third-place playoff in 2022.

You can buy a similar pair of Stan Smith trainers for £90 via the official adidas website here.

Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump controversy

Last night's final was the first 2026 World Cup match Trump has attended - and it didn't go down well with fans.

Trump and Infantino were met with loud boos when they took to the pitch for the presentation ceremony.

Trump, who has a close relationship with Infantino, called the FIFA President for a review of US player Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic.

In turn, the ban was reversed.

Amid controversy online, human rights group FairSquare has since submitted a complaint to the International Olympic Committee, alleging that Infantino broke rules on political neutrality when he allowed Trump to step in.

Where is the 2030 World Cup going to be held?

This year's World Cup may have only just come to an end, but people are already wondering where the next one will be held.

In December 2024, a vote was held to decide which country would host the 2030 World Cup.

At the meeting, it was confirmed that the upcoming tournament will be held across Spain, Portugal and Morocco.