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The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup commenced on Sunday, July 19, with reigning champions Argentina facing Spain for the championship.
Donald Trump became the first sitting president in history to attend a World Cup final. The 80-year-old commander-in-chief was accompanied in a private viewing box by his wife, Melania Trump, although her presence sparked renewed conspiracy theories regarding a Melania "body double."
The 56-year-old First Lady donned oversized dark sunglasses, leading observers to question whether she is the "real" Melania. It comes as a lip reader exposed Gianni Infantino's desperate plea to Trump that he ignored in a humiliating moment.
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Observers flocked to social media with their speculation about the first lady, with one person posting, "Why is #Melania wearing dark sunglasses while behind protective glass and sitting underneath a over hang? Is this the fake Melania with #Trump at the @FIFAWorldCup".
"This is FAKE MELANIA," one commentator asserted, while another repeated, "Look closely at Melania it's the fake one."
Melania's oversized sunglasses reignited speculation that she was substituted by a body double, a theory that emerged in 2017 after online investigators spotted variations in Melania's facial characteristics and behavior, along with the fact that the typically high-heeled first lady was unusually sporting flat shoes, reports the Mirror US.
The pair observed the game in a bulletproof viewing box alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Despite the widespread speculation that Melania's body double is the one in attendance at the World Cup, one observer joked, "You know the World Cup is a big deal because Melania is willingly sitting next to trump for 2 hours."
Another added, "Donny's ego hasn't been fed since his recent failure on TV. Melania received her payment in advance so she will put a fake smile on and stand by her man. Not too close due to the nauseating stench from Donald's Diaper."
Melania opted for a relaxed look at the World Cup in white trousers and a white shirt complemented by a tan bomber jacket and oversized reflective sunglasses.
The pair observed as Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson delivered the U.S. National Anthem while the two rival teams positioned themselves on the pitch. As leader of one of the three host nations, Trump will be jointly presenting the trophy with Infantino to the victorious team.
Prior to his appearance, Trump told Fox's Jenny Taft he wanted to "switch" places with Argentina's standout player, Lionel Messi, for "a month or so."
It comes as Trump made a shocking blunder during the medal presentation before 'poor sportsmanship'.
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