U.S. President Donald Trump played host on Sunday to the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The VIP box, enclosed by bulletproof glass in a stadium under heavy security, brought together a group of world leaders who share little common ground. Inside what felt like a political fishbowl, Trump sat alongside several leaders with whom he has had strained relations. It was a gathering that represented two opposing visions of the world.
The U.S. president greeted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez cordially despite months of tensions over Spain’s refusal to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, as agreed at last year’s NATO summit. Relations worsened after Madrid declined to authorize the use of U.S. military bases in Spain for U.S. aircraft involved in the Iran conflict. Trump had previously described Spain as “a terrible partner.” In recent weeks, however, the two sides have taken steps to ease tensions, with Spain committing additional defense spending and participating in a joint mission in Finland. For 90 minutes, at least, politics took a back seat to soccer.
The public handshake between Trump and Sánchez marked the second chapter in their tentative reconciliation following a meeting in Ankara earlier this month, where the two leaders reportedly chatted about soccer and golf. Also seated nearby were Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both of whom have had difficult relations with Trump amid his protectionist economic policies.
That left Trump with one close ally in the VIP box: FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has gone out of his way to accommodate the U.S. president throughout the tournament. Before kick-off, officials even brought him the World Cup trophy. Breaking with tradition, which dictates that only the winners may touch it, Trump patted the golden trophy several times before handing it back. During the match, however, he appeared less engaged and was even seen dozing off at one point.
Although Trump often says he likes soccer, he also admits he does not really understand it. The real fan in the family is his son Barron, who has taken the opportunity to pose for photographs with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo during their visits to the White House. Trump, who arrived by helicopter after flying over the stadium before kick-off, might well have preferred to spend the afternoon posting on Truth Social, where he has published more than 9,000 messages since returning to office.
But the final placed him alongside figures with very different worldviews. Among them were New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, one of the Democratic Party’s rising stars. Also present was Brazilian legend Ronaldo, who was all smiles throughout the evening. As always, Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia played a diplomatic role, helping ease tensions in the VIP section while openly supporting the Spanish team.
There had also been doubts over whether Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez would attend, but he ultimately travelled to New York after receiving an invitation from FIFA. According to organizers, eight Spanish ministers who had planned to attend as representatives of Spain had to cancel their plans once it became clear that the prime minister himself would be there.
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