The White House posted a series of photos on its official X social media account on 20/7, featuring President Donald Trump celebrating with the Spanish national team after their World Cup win. This came after FIFA had cropped Trump from their official celebratory image. "A spectacular World Cup in the US concluded with President Donald Trump presenting the championship trophy to the new champions. The world watched, and the US did not disappoint. See you next time, FIFA!" the White House stated.
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Images illustrate the core of the controversy: the Spanish team celebrating on the awards podium, with FIFA's version (left) excluding Trump, and the White House's version (right) prominently featuring him. Photo: X/FIFA World Cup, White House
The White House's post included 6 photos from the awards ceremony following the final match. All 6 photos featured Trump, with two photos focusing solely on him. The Spanish team, reigning World Cup 2026 champions, appeared in two photos within the series.
This series of images from the White House directly contrasted with FIFA's earlier release. FIFA had published an image of the Spanish team hoisting the golden trophy at MetLife Stadium, but had edited the photo to remove Trump, who was standing to the left of the team as they celebrated.
The incident unfolded after President Trump, along with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, presented the trophy to the Spanish team on 19/7. Trump lingered in the central position on the awards podium. Captain Rodri attempted to gesture for Trump to move aside, allowing him and his teammates to hoist the trophy in celebration. However, Trump remained next to the team lineup, appearing eager to take photos with the champions.
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Trump celebrating victory with the Spanish team at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on 19/7. Photo: X/White House
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The US President waving to the audience upon entering the stadium for the awards ceremony. Photo: X/White House
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The US President with FIFA President presenting silver medals to the Argentina team. Photo: X/White House
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Trump with FIFA officials on the awards podium. Photo: X/White House
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The US President at MetLife Stadium. Photo: X/White House
Despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino approaching Trump to remind him to cede the stage to the Spanish team, the US President still appeared in the frame during the initial celebratory moment. He only departed later, as the champion team continued taking photos.
Adding to the narrative, photos posted by the Spanish team on Instagram immediately after the match also excluded Trump. A subsequent post on the evening of 20/7, comprising 20 photos, showed the entire team celebrating without him.
This was not an isolated incident. Last summer, President Trump also attracted attention when he positioned himself in the center of the frame, right next to Chelsea club captain Reece James, during their trophy hoisting at the FIFA Club World Cup.
By Hong Hanh (Forbes, White House)
