The World Cup final at MetLife Stadium won't just settle who lifts the trophy between Spain and Argentina, it will also bring together two leaders who have spent months trading barbs. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to fly to the United States on Sunday to be inside the stadium for the title clash.
Government Confirms Sanchez Will Be There
A spokesperson for the Spanish government confirmed that Sanchez will attend the final. The announcement came shortly after the Spanish royal family said they too would watch the game from a VIP box at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, giving Spain a strong political and royal presence on the day.
Trump Expected At The Same Venue
US President Donald Trump is also expected to be present, opening the door to a face-to-face moment with a leader regarded as one of his sharpest critics within the European Union.
Months Of Growing Friction
Relations between Madrid and Washington have been souring for months. Sanchez, who heads Spain's socialist government, has repeatedly spoken out against Trump's foreign policy choices, particularly the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. In response, Spain barred the US from using shared airbases for that campaign. Sanchez's administration has also refused to raise defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, a threshold other NATO members agreed to last year after heavy pressure from Trump.
A Trade Threat Made And Then Walked Back
At the NATO summit held in Ankara this July, Trump briefly threatened to cut off trade with Spain entirely, calling the country "a wasted cause." He appeared to soften that stance just a day later.
A Flying Visit With No Room For Talks
An official said the trip is short enough that Sanchez is highly unlikely to hold any bilateral meetings with US officials while at the match. His attendance had actually been in doubt because he has a pre-planned official visit to Algeria the next day, but a government spokesperson confirmed he will leave the moment the final whistle blows. Notably, Sanchez skipped Tuesday's semi-final against France altogether, choosing instead to take part in Bastille Day events in Paris and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Milei Sitting This One Out
On the other side, Argentina's President Javier Milei, whose team will fight Spain for the trophy, will not attend the final himself, citing personal superstition. Sanchez and Milei have a famously strained relationship, with Milei repeatedly launching public attacks on Sanchez and his wife.
