FIFA crops out Donald Trump from Spain's World Cup celebration

July 21, 2026 • 0 • min read

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FIFA photos crops out Donald Trump from Spain's World Cup celebration

KEY TAKEAWAYS

FIFA's celebration photos appeared to exclude Donald Trump from Spain's trophy lift.
The White House responded by releasing images prominently featuring Trump.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win their first World Cup since 2010.

FIFA has come under scrutiny after social media users noticed that official images celebrating Spain's World Cup victory over Argentina appeared to exclude US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Several photographs published across FIFA's official social media channels after Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium showed Spain lifting the trophy, but the framing appeared to leave out Trump, who was standing beside the players during the trophy presentation.

Champions.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/h7BTVx8R6A
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 19, 2026

However, the White House presented a different perspective on Monday by publishing six images from the trophy ceremony. Every photo featured Trump, with two focusing almost exclusively on the president, whilst only two included members of the victorious Spanish squad.

An EPIC @FIFAWorldCup in America comes to a close with President Donald J. Trump crowning the champions. 🏆📸

The world came to watch, and America delivered. See you next time, FIFA ? 👀 pic.twitter.com/JodpCRHxAY
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 20, 2026

Awkward trophy presentation draws attention

Trump's involvement during the trophy ceremony quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening.

As Spain prepared to lift the World Cup trophy, Infantino appeared to encourage Trump to step aside so the players could enjoy the spotlight. Instead, Trump remained on stage as the celebrations unfolded, including the traditional confetti display.

The moment prompted widespread discussion across social media, with many viewers describing the presentation as awkward.

Trump was edited out of a group photo of the Spanish national team after the 2026 World Cup final.

Donya personally went onto the field to congratulate the Spanish national team players on their victory after the match. He also decided to capitalize on the championship by posing… pic.twitter.com/1QepeTYinc
— Andromeda11711 (@Andromeda11711) July 21, 2026

The pair were also greeted with audible boos when they appeared on the stadium's big screens and later walked onto the pitch for the trophy ceremony.

Despite the mixed reception, one Spain player briefly copied Trump's signature dance move, famously performed by the president to the Village People's song "Y.M.C.A.," whilst celebrations continued on stage.

Similar scene played out at Club World Cup

The incident echoed a similar moment at last year's Club World Cup final, when Trump and Infantino presented the trophy to Chelsea.

Whilst Infantino stepped aside before the trophy lift, Trump remained in the centre of the celebrations.

Chelsea captain Reece James later revealed he had expected Trump to present the trophy before leaving the stage, whilst midfielder Cole Palmer admitted he was left "a bit confused" by what happened.

Trump and Infantino relationship faces fresh scrutiny

The trophy ceremony comes after weeks of debate surrounding the relationship between Trump and Infantino throughout the World Cup.

Some supporters have criticised the FIFA president for appearing overly close to Trump ahead of the United States hosting the tournament.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter previously described FIFA as a "dictatorship" and accused Infantino of being too willing to accommodate the US president.

Questions also emerged earlier in the tournament after Trump spoke with Infantino before the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun was lifted. Trump later insisted he had not attempted to influence FIFA's decision.

Separately, Infantino has continued to face criticism from some supporters who believe FIFA has shown favourable treatment towards Argentina and captain Lionel Messi. Those claims intensified following Argentina's controversial victory over Egypt earlier in the competition, when Egyptian officials publicly questioned the consistency and fairness of officiating.

Spain end Argentina's title defence

Spain secured the World Cup with a dramatic 1-0 victory after extra time, ending Argentina's hopes of retaining the trophy.

The triumph gave Spain their first World Cup title since 2010 and prevented Argentina from becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win successive men's World Cups.

Argentina finished the match with 10 players after Enzo Fernández received a red card for a late challenge on Pau Cubarsí during the closing stages of extra time.