Fact Check: Did FIFA edit Trump out of World Cup trophy celebration photos?
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY: A viral social media post claimed that FIFA, Spain, and major sports news networks deliberately edited President Donald Trump out of photos from Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy celebration, and that Trump was furious over the alleged removal. Let's fact-check the claim.
Claim: FIFA edited Trump out of photos from Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy celebration
BREAKING: Donald Trump is reportedly furious that FIFA, Spain, and every sports news network have edited him out of the photos of the World Cup trophy celebration before posting them online.
— The Halfway Post (@HalfwayPost) July 20, 2026
An X account named @HalfwayPost shared a post claiming that Trump was furious because FIFA, Spain, and major sports news outlets had allegedly edited him out of photos from Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy celebration.
The post stated, "BREAKING: Donald Trump is reportedly furious that FIFA, Spain, and every sports news network have edited him out of the photos of the World Cup trophy celebration before posting them online."
The claim referred to the July 19, 2026, FIFA World Cup final, in which Spain defeated Argentina. During the trophy presentation, Trump remained on stage alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino for a short time before stepping aside to allow the Spanish players to celebrate.
The rumor also mirrors a similar debunked claim that circulated after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, when social media users falsely alleged that Chelsea had edited Trump out of official celebration photos. In reality, official images from both events captured different moments and camera angles, with some photos including Trump and others focusing solely on the victorious team.
Fact Check: False, the claim is fabricated
The claim is false. The viral post originated from the satirical X account @HalfwayPost, which exaggerated events from the July 19, 2026, FIFA World Cup final, where Spain defeated Argentina 1-0.
During the trophy presentation, Trump joined Infantino on stage and remained there briefly after handing over the trophy, creating an awkward moment that drew boos from sections of the crowd.
There is no evidence that FIFA, the Spanish national team, or sports news organizations deliberately edited Trump out of the trophy celebration photos. The alleged differences reflect standard editorial choices and camera angles rather than a coordinated effort to remove him.
Likewise, no credible reports indicate that Trump was "furious" over being excluded from the photos. News coverage of the ceremony centered on his extended presence on stage, the crowd's reaction, and Infantino's efforts to guide him aside so Spain could celebrate. The claim that Trump was angry about photo editing originated as satire and is not supported by any reliable evidence.
