FIFA Removes Donald Trump from Social Media Photo of Spain's World Cup Celebration
FIFA edited a social-media image of Spain lifting the World Cup trophy to exclude President Donald Trump, who remained on stage after the ceremony, echoing a similar incident at the previous year's Club World Cup.
FIFA posted a picture of the Spanish team raising the World Cup trophy on its social-media channels, but the image was later altered to omit President Donald Trump, who lingered on the stage after the presentation. The organization also removed FIFA President Gianni Infantino from the same photo.
The editing mirrors an earlier occurrence at the 2023 Club World Cup, when Trump and Infantino presented the trophy to Chelsea. Infantino stepped out of the frame, while Trump stayed visible as the players lifted the cup. Chelsea captain Reece James said he was told Trump would "present the trophy, and then exit the stage," and teammate Cole Palmer said he was "a bit confused" by the situation.
Trump and Infantino have faced criticism from some fans during the tournament, with accusations that the FIFA leadership is overly accommodating to the U.S. president ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Former FIFA chief Sepp Blatter described the organization as a "dictatorship" and suggested Infantino is "submissive" to Trump, though Infantino has denied any direct influence.
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in overtime to claim its first World Cup title since 2010, preventing Argentina from becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive championships. The match ended with Argentina reduced to ten men after Enzo Fernandez received a red card.