An Australian football pundit was caught on a live microphone making a seven-word comment about Donald Trump after the US president photobombed Spain's World Cup trophy presentation. The main anchor of Australia's SBS broadcast, Claudio Fabiano, was overheard saying: “They can edit him out of that,” in a brutal jibe aimed at Trump.
Trump's Lingering Presence During Trophy Ceremony
Trump was repeatedly shown on TV during the clash between Spain and Argentina on Sunday night, watching it alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino from a VIP box at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. After Spain's 1-0 triumph in extra-time, Trump and Infantino took up their usual role of handing out medals to the two teams.
The victors made their way onto a podium, where Spain captain Rodri was handed the golden trophy by the pair. However, as Rodri prepared to lift the trophy, Trump, who had walked across in front of the Spanish players, remained standing next to them instead of leaving the stage. Infantino then ran in front of Rodri to get to the other side of the podium, momentarily delaying the Manchester City star from hoisting it. The FIFA president was seen gesturing for Trump to leave the stage. However, the American remained in camera shot of the trophy lift, clapping, before finally walking away with Infantino to the side.
Pundit's On-Air Reaction and Social Media Response
Fabiano, without missing a beat, insisted that post-match editing meant the Spain squad could still enjoy a photo of their proudest achievement later without Trump being in it. The comment was picked up by a live microphone and quickly spread on social media, with the video being shared widely.
Fabiano was proven correct when the official Spain national team account took to social media to announce their win. Their post featured neither of the presidents, photoshopping them out entirely to instead focus on the players that brought home their second World Cup triumph. Perhaps more surprisingly, FIFA themselves followed suit by cropping Trump out of the photographs they posted on X from the celebrations.
Trump's Reception at the World Cup Final
Sunday's final was Trump's first match at the World Cup 2026. He was heavily booed by some of the crowd when he was shown on the big screen inside the stadium. This incident is not the first time Trump has been accused of stealing the limelight during trophy presentations; he did the exact same during last summer's Club World Cup final trophy lift involving Chelsea, according to reports.
