A man bearing a striking resemblance to Donald Trump was spotted in the background of an interview following the World Cup final on 19 July, sparking renewed conspiracy theories about a body double.
Mystery figure in background
Trump was speaking to reporters when an unidentified man with a similar stocky build appeared behind him, leaning forward as if struggling to support the weight of his head. The footage spread rapidly on social media, reigniting speculation that the US president employs a body double, according to the Daily Star.
Online reactions
Some online sleuths claimed to have identified the lookalike, but others remained unconvinced. One user wrote on X: "Oh no! There's two of them." Another posted: "Trump needs a body double so one version can hog the World Cup spotlight while the other practices golf swings and 'You're fired' faces for the cameras. Man's ego requires backup singers now."
Others suggested the man was Trump's father-in-law, Viktor Knavs. One person wrote: "OK, OK, funny stuff. But the 'body double' is Melania's father. DJT's father-in-law is often invited to fun stuff."
Trump's World Cup comments
The 80-year-old had been hosting the 2026 World Cup, which concluded with Spain's victory over Argentina on 19 July. Speaking to journalists about the tournament, Trump said: "I thought it was incredible. It was four-times greater than any FIFA ever held. It's probably about five times, actually, they're telling me today."
Comedian mocks president
Comedian Jon Stewart mocked Trump on The Daily Show, laughing at the "perceptive post-match analysis" and jokingly questioning: "What's a FIFA? How do you hold a FIFA, how can our FIFA be 'four-times greater' than any other FIFA?" Stewart also ridiculed Trump for trying to join Spanish players' celebrations after their victory.
