Days before Spain and Argentina meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Spanish forward Borja Iglesias has found himself fielding an unusual question, not about tactics or Argentina's attack, but about what he would do if he ends up shaking hands with US President Donald Trump on the trophy podium.
A joke about the handshake
Trump is widely expected to be present at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey when Spain face Argentina on Sunday, and organisers are likely to have him take part in the post-match trophy presentation, a moment that would put him face to face with the players. Asked how he would react if that happens, Iglesias chose humour over a diplomatic dodge. "I will shake hands with Trump, but I hope it's quick... I don't want to go to jail," he said.
The Celta Vigo striker, who has never shied away from speaking on social issues back home in Spain, went on to explain what he meant. He said he hoped to greet Trump at a moment when the Spanish squad is very happy after the game, so that the interaction ends quickly and he can put it out of his mind almost immediately.
Keeping politics out of the moment
Iglesias was careful to stress that his comment was not an invitation to controversy. He explained that refusing a handshake was never really on the table for him, and that people already know where he stands on such issues without him needing to make a scene at the World Cup final. He added that although some may see him as having outsized influence, he does not believe he holds enough power to change how such situations are handled at a global event of this scale.
Spain's unbeaten run to the final
While Iglesias' remarks have drawn attention away from the pitch, Spain's on-field record heading into the final speaks for itself. Coached by Luis de la Fuente, the side has conceded just a single goal across the tournament, a defensive record that has made them the first team in men's World Cup history to record six clean sheets in one edition. After opening the tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, Spain reeled off six consecutive wins, knocking out Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France on the way to Sunday's final.
Argentina eye back-to-back glory
Standing between Spain and the trophy is an Argentina side chasing history of their own. Lionel Scaloni's team reached the final after another comeback win, beating England 2-1 in the semifinal, and arrive at MetLife Stadium on a 14-match unbeaten run. A win on Sunday would make Argentina the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title. The final also marks the first time in the tournament's history that the reigning European champions and the reigning Copa America champions have met for the title itself.
