Fact Check: Did Spain say Trump World Cup photos will stay hidden until Epstein files are released?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY: A viral claim is fueling speculation over President Donald Trump's appearance during the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy celebrations. Online debate over photos and videos from the ceremony continues, while renewed scrutiny of the Epstein files dominates political discussions. Social media users now claim Spanish officials are withholding uncropped celebration photos featuring Trump. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: Spanish officials refuse to release Trump's World Cup photos over the Epstein files

A viral post circulating on social media claims, "Spanish officials say they’ll release unredacted photos of the World Cup trophy celebration with Donald Trump in them as soon as Trump releases the unredacted Epstein Files."

The rumor emerged after Trump attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium.

Following Spain's 1-0 victory, Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the podium, where he presented medals and remained on stage during the trophy lift, prompting widespread online discussion and the spread of altered images, misleading captions, and new rumors about the ceremony.

The claim also comes as the Epstein files remain at the center of political debate, with renewed calls for the release of unredacted records after the Justice Department declined to disclose additional documents.

Fact Check: False, the claim is satire

The claim is satire, not a real announcement. It originated from the X account @HalfwayPost, which describes itself as a comedy and satire page with the bio, "I don't report the facts, I improve them."

The post is intended as fictional humor and does not reflect any statement from Spanish officials. The satire is based on a real moment from the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. After Spain defeated Argentina, President Donald Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the podium to present the trophy.

Trump remained on stage during Spain's trophy lift, prompting Infantino to gesture for him to step aside. Photos and videos of the moment quickly went viral, and some official images focused on the Spanish players, fueling online jokes and speculation that Trump had been cropped out.

However, there is no evidence linking the trophy ceremony or any official World Cup photos to the Epstein files. The post combines two widely discussed topics, the viral World Cup celebration and ongoing political debate over the release of unredacted Epstein files, to create a satirical joke.

News.meaww also recently debunked a viral rumor claiming that FIFA President Gianni Infantino yelled at Donald Trump and invoked Ivanka Trump's name to persuade him to leave the World Cup trophy-presentation stage as Spain celebrated its victory.