FIFA has drawn attention for cropping out former President Donald Trump from a celebration photo following Spain’s victory at the 2026 World Cup final. The image, shared on FIFA’s official social media accounts, showcased jubilant Spanish players celebrating their 1-0 triumph over Argentina, but notable by his absence was Trump, who had been present on stage during the festivities.
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The match, held on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, concluded after a tense 30 minutes of extra time. As the Spanish team revelled in their victory, Trump was seen sidelined in the corner of the image, his navy suit the only indication of his presence. The official posting and subsequent celebration photos released by Spain’s team excluded Trump entirely, indicating a deliberate choice to minimise his visibility during the joyous occasion.
Despite Trump’s prominent role in the medal ceremony, where he joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino to award medals to the victorious athletes, he faced significant public disapproval. As Trump waved to the audience, a chorus of boos resonated throughout the stadium, reflecting the crowd’s displeasure with his appearance on stage.
In an interview with Fox Sports prior to the match, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He praised the event as a significant achievement for the nation, stating, “It turns out we are a soccer country,” and described the tournament as “beautiful to watch.” However, Trump’s administration has been enmeshed in controversy regarding his associations with FIFA, particularly during his second presidential term.
During the 2026 tournament, Trump found himself at the centre of backlash when he intervened in a disciplinary decision affecting U.S. striker Folarin Balogun. After Balogun received a red card in the round of 32 against a rival team, Trump contacted Infantino to request a review of the suspension. This move sparked outrage among international fans, leading many to allege that such intervention reflected unfairness in the tournament’s conduct. Ultimately, Balogun’s suspension was lifted, allowing him to participate in the subsequent match against Belgium.
Trump’s actions have drawn scrutiny not only for perceived conflicts of interest but also for the broader implications of his administration’s policies. Critics have pointed out that while the World Cup showcased a collaborative effort among North American nations, Trump’s government has faced ongoing criticism regarding immigration laws and foreign travel bans which raised concerns about the rights of international fans and visitors.
In July 2025, a coalition of 90 civil society organisations co-signed an open letter urging FIFA to leverage its influence over the U.S. government. They called on the organisation to advocate for the protection of the fundamental rights of foreign visitors intending to attend World Cup events, as well as to safeguard the constitutional rights of immigrants already residing in the host cities.
The fallout from Trump’s involvement in the World Cup continues to reverberate, as his controversial relationship with FIFA has overshadowed the game’s celebratory nature. Many observers have noted that FIFA’s decision to crop Trump out of the celebratory imagery sends a clear message about the organisation’s efforts to distance itself from political controversies at a pinnacle sporting event.
With the global stage of football attracting millions of fans, the intersection of politics and sport remains a contentious topic. The events surrounding this year’s World Cup highlight the challenges faced by sporting governing bodies in navigating such complexities while still honouring the spirit of competition and camaraderie that defines the beautiful game. As discussions surrounding Trump and FIFA persist, many will watch closely how both entities proceed as they move beyond this historic tournament.