Trump stays in Spain World Cup winners’ photo despite Rodri plea to move aside

Donald Trump remained centre stage in Spain’s World Cup 2026 victory celebrations despite a request from captain Rodri for him to step out of the official champions’ photograph, in a moment that has ignited fierce debate on social media.

The US president’s presence at the trophy ceremony in New York – after Spain’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the final – has drawn criticism, both for his conduct during the medal presentation and for the way he featured in the post-match imagery.

Footage that rapidly spread online appeared to show Argentina defender Cristian Romero pointedly ignoring Trump as he walked past him on the podium. Trump, who was part of the line-up handing medals and awards to both teams, did not receive a greeting or handshake from Romero – a gesture many users interpreted as a deliberate political message.

Rodri ‘asked Infantino to move Trump out of shot’

Reports from the ceremony say Rodri, Spain’s captain and the player of the tournament, directly appealed to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to have Trump step aside before the official team photograph was taken.

According to those accounts, Rodri wanted the image to focus on the world champions and their coaching staff, preserving what he saw as a unique and historic moment for “La Roja” without the overshadowing presence of a political leader.

However, despite the reported request, Trump stayed in position alongside the Spanish players as the final photo was taken, standing prominently among the celebrating squad in their moment of triumph.

The decision not to move the president has provoked a wave of critical reactions online, with many accusing him of using the global sporting spectacle to bolster his political profile.

Social media backlash over ‘political stage’

Users across various platforms condemned what they described as the politicisation of the World Cup’s showpiece event. Several posts argued that the spotlight should have been solely on Spain’s players and coaching staff, while others questioned why Trump remained in the frame after the medals and trophy had been handed over.

His continued presence on the pitch during the celebrations was seen by many as unusual. In most major football tournaments, political leaders and senior officials typically leave the stage area once the trophies and medals have been presented, allowing the players and staff to celebrate on their own.

Some commentators framed Romero’s apparent snub and Rodri’s reported request to Infantino as symbolic pushbacks against attempts to turn a football celebration into a political photo opportunity.

Second Trump term and US-hosted World Cup

Trump, who returned to the White House in January 2025 for a second term, made a point of attending the final of the 2026 World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

His appearance at the World Cup showpiece was viewed by analysts as part of a broader effort to highlight the United States’ central role in staging the most-watched tournament in world football.

While FIFA has not publicly commented on the incident, the images from the ceremony – Trump standing amid Spain’s world champions and the viral clip of Romero walking past him without acknowledgement – have ensured that the aftermath of the final will be remembered not only for Spain’s triumph over Argentina, but also for the political controversy that followed.