EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — U.S. President Donald Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup final, marking a rare face-to-face encounter after months of diplomatic tensions over defence spending, the Middle East and other foreign policy disputes.
The two leaders attended the final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium alongside Spain's King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and other international dignitaries. Their meeting came as Spain sought its second men's World Cup title and as Washington and Madrid continued efforts to manage strains in their bilateral relationship.
Spanish government officials said Sánchez and Trump held a brief informal conversation during the event. According to Sánchez's office, the exchange followed an earlier discussion between the two leaders on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, where they also spoke about the tournament.
Relations between the allies have been tested in recent months by disagreements over defence policy. Trump has repeatedly urged Spain to increase military spending in line with higher NATO targets and previously threatened trade measures over what he described as insufficient commitments. Spanish officials have maintained that Madrid has met its existing alliance obligations and has defended its approach to defence spending.
The two governments have also differed over U.S. policy in the Middle East and Spain's stance during the recent conflict involving Iran. Earlier this year, Spain declined to allow the use of certain military facilities for operations linked to the conflict, a move that drew criticism from Washington.
Before the match, Sánchez told Spanish public broadcaster RTVE that the focus should remain on the sporting occasion rather than on who would present the trophy if Spain prevailed. He also publicly congratulated the United States on the 250th anniversary of its independence.
Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the post-match medal and trophy presentation after Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the championship. The ceremony drew significant public attention, with television broadcasts capturing audible reactions from sections of the crowd as Trump appeared on the field.
No formal bilateral talks or joint statements between Trump and Sánchez were announced following the meeting, and neither government indicated that additional discussions had been scheduled.
