One of Spain’s World Cup players has admitted he will begrudgingly shake Donald Trump’s hand if his side comes out on top in Sunday’s final (July 19).
Trump has not been present at matches earlier in the tournament, but the White House said he would attend Friday’s FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City and then travel to New Jersey for Sunday’s final, where Spain will take on Argentina for the title at New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement earlier this week:
“On Friday, the president will travel to New York City to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, followed by his attendance on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup, between Spain and Argentina.
“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history.
“This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.”
After the match, the president is expected to greet the players, including Spain forward Borja Iglesias, who has previously been outspoken in his criticism of Trump.
Asked by Spanish media on Saturday whether he planned to shake Trump’s hand, Iglesias responded with a joke:
“Yes, well, I don’t want to go to prison!”
In comments to Panenka, Iglesias said:
“It’s something I’ve thought about, something I’ve even imagined. I hope to greet him when we’re all very happy and that it’s all over very quickly so I can forget about it.
“Sometimes you have to forget the moments you’ve lived through too,” he continued, noting that he does not believe the World Cup final is the time “to generate controversy.”
The striker also said:
“People already know my opinions, and I would love to do many things, but the reality is that, although people think I’m all-powerful, I don’t have that much power to confront certain things. It’s complicated, really.”
He also told Spanish reporters that, in his view, Trump ‘struggles’ with people who speak up ‘for progress and for fundamental values’.
Trump is also expected to be centrally involved in the post-match ceremony, with plans for him to present the World Cup trophy to the winning captain.
That would mark a break from the usual presentation format, in which the trophy is typically waiting on a stand before being lifted by the captain and taken onto the podium during the team’s celebrations.
When news of Trump’s attendance at the final was confirmed, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said:
“We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together. We are together all the time.”