FIFA and Spain have removed images showing United States President Donald Trump from their official social media posts covering Spain’s World Cup trophy celebration, prompting the White House to release its own photos and video highlighting his role at the ceremony.
Trump had presented the medals and trophy after Spain defeated Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in the final.
He remained on the podium as the Spanish team celebrated their victory before FIFA President Gianni Infantino directed him away to allow the players to continue their celebrations.
Several images from the presentation captured Trump standing with the newly crowned champions.
However, Spain later shared edited versions of the trophy lift that excluded the U.S. president, while FIFA also posted cropped celebration images that removed Trump and Infantino.
The White House responded by publishing a series of photographs and an Instagram video showing Trump interacting with the Spanish players during the ceremony.
Some of the images released focused entirely on the U.S. president’s presence at the event.
The moment marked the second time within a year that Trump had presented a major football trophy at the same venue.
He had previously handed Chelsea the Club World Cup trophy during the competition’s final 12 months earlier.
Trump’s lengthy stay on the podium attracted attention from commentators and broadcasters, while some spectators booed as he entered the pitch ahead of the presentation.
Despite the reaction from parts of the crowd, some Spain players appeared to celebrate the moment, with a number of them performing the “Trump dance” while standing near him.
Speaking after the match, Trump praised both teams and described the final as an exciting contest, saying Spain appeared stronger but acknowledging the closeness of the encounter.
He also commended the tournament’s success, saying the World Cup had brought visitors from across the world and helped showcase the United States positively.
