WHAT WAS CLAIMED
Footage shows crowds in Melbourne celebrating the Democrats winning Texas in the 2026 US midterm elections.
OUR VERDICT
False. The footage shows Australian soccer fans celebrating a goal during the 2022 World Cup.
AAP FACTCHECK - Footage of Australian soccer fans celebrating a World Cup goal is being falsely linked to US election results.
Democrats gained significant wins in the November 2026 midterm elections, and a video shared on social media claims to show a crowd in Australia jumping for joy as Donald Trump's Republican Party was defeated in Texas.
However, the clip dates back to 2022 and was filmed during a live screening of a World Cup match at Melbourne's Fed Square arts and culture precinct.
The claim appears in a November 5 Facebook video that shows a crowd jumping, running and cheering.
"Melbourne erupts in celebration as Texas turns blue, delivering a major blow to Trump!" the post reads.
The same false claim was also posted on other social media platforms, including Instagram and X.
But a reverse image search shows the video was originally posted on X on December 1, 2022, by Melbourne-based photographer James Smart.
"Goal!!!! Hectic scenes here at Fed Square! Go the @Soceroos," his caption reads.
Fed Square's website shows the venue hosted a screening of the Australian men's soccer team's World Cup game against Denmark on December 1.
The Socceroos won 1-0 to secure a spot in the tournament's knockout stage.
The Facebook video shows people in the crowd wearing soccer jerseys and Australian flags.
Democrat James Talarico won the Texas senate election against Republican state attorney general Ken Paxton, a close ally of Mr Trump.
Mr Talarico's win marked the first time Democrats had won a senate seat in the state since 1988.
Democrats also won the 2026 Texas gubernatorial election, with Gina Hinojosa defeating Republican incumbent Greg Abbott to become the state's first Hispanic governor.
AFP Fact Check also debunked the claim.
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