No, Madonna Was Not in Trump’s Suite at the World Cup Final

A social media post making the rounds after Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final claims that  Madonna was spotted sitting in President Donald Trump’s luxury suite at MetLife Stadium.

She wasn’t.

The confusion appears to stem from a brief shot of Trump’s box during the match between Spain and Argentina. The camera caught several guests seated alongside Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, prompting users on X to insist that one of the women visible in the suite, seated behind Melania Trump, was in fact the pop icon fresh off her chart-topping new album, Confessions II.

Of course, there are a few obvious problems with that theory. One: Madonna would’ve been backstage at the time getting ready for her performance. Two: Madonna has been a very vocal critic of Trump for decades, both before and after he ran for president. Three: Come on. 

(A rep for Madonna confirmed to Rolling Stone that she was not, in fact, in Trump’s World Cup suite.)

During the game, Madonna headlined the first-ever FIFA World Cup halftime show, opening the 11-minute set with her 2000 hit “Music” before she was joined on stage by Justin Bieber, BTS, Shakira, Burna Boy, and others. Photos as well as video clips from the broadcast show her wearing a pink lace corset during her performance. 

The woman seen in Trump’s suite, meanwhile, was dressed differently and appeared during the match while Madonna was literally onstage performing. Despite that, screenshots of the broadcast quickly spread across X, where users incorrectly identified her as the mystery guest.

Trump attended the final alongside Infantino and was shown repeatedly during the broadcast, including during the trophy presentation after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.