Trump greeted Felipe VI and Pedro Sánchez in the World Cup final box

U.S. President Donald Trump greeted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and King Felipe VI in the VIP box before the 2026 World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina. Trump shook hands with Sánchez, the King, and Queen Letizia through a reinforced glass partition at the start of the game held at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The leaders exchanged brief words before taking their seats. Trump was flanked by his wife, Melania Trump, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while Sánchez was accompanied by the King and Queen, and the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. Trump also shared the VIP box with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, leaders of the other two co-host nations for the 2026 World Cup. The article notes Trump's past criticism of Sánchez's government regarding defense spending and Spain's stance on the U.S. action against Iran. The last time Trump and Sánchez met was at the NATO summit in Ankara in early July.