A short video from the 2026 FIFA World Cup medal ceremony has gone viral after some social media users claimed Spain’s teenage star Lamine Yamal refused to shake hands with US President Donald Trump.
The 16-second clip, which has been viewed more than 19 million times, was shared on X by user Matt Wallace and quickly sparked widespread debate online.
What Happened?
As Yamal stepped onto the stage to receive his winner’s medal, FIFA President Gianni Infantino placed an arm around the young Spaniard’s shoulder while speaking to him.
Standing beside Infantino, President Trump appeared to wait to greet Yamal. At first glance, some viewers believed the Spanish forward walked past without acknowledging him.
However, a closer look at the footage shows Yamal briefly shaking Trump’s hand before continuing along the presentation line.
Clarification
Following the online speculation, Matt Wallace later clarified in another post that the handshake did occur, writing that Yamal had “changed his mind very fast.”
The clarification eased some of the debate, although the original clip continued to circulate widely across social media.
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Misunderstanding or Snub?
The viral footage has prompted mixed reactions, with some users insisting the moment was deliberate, while others argued it was simply an awkward interaction during a fast-moving medal presentation.
There is no confirmed evidence that Yamal intentionally ignored or refused to greet President Trump.
At the time, the 19-year-old appeared to be engaged in conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which may have contributed to the brief confusion.
Online Debate Continues
Despite the clarification, the video continues to attract millions of views and comments, making it one of the most discussed off-field moments from the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
While the clip fuelled speculation online, the available footage indicates that Yamal did shake hands with Donald Trump, suggesting the viral controversy was likely the result of a misunderstanding rather than a deliberate snub.
