Spanish and American leaders meet at the 2026 World Cup final

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and U.S. President Donald Trump held a brief meeting on Sunday during the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The two leaders, who have experienced nearly two years of diplomatic friction, were seated together in a secure suite. The Spanish royal family, including King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Princesses Leonor and Sofia, was also in attendance. Tensions between Madrid and Washington had previously centered on Spain's NATO defense spending. Relations began to improve after a recent NATO summit in Ankara, where Spain agreed to increase its defense contributions. President Trump, who had previously criticized Spain as a lost cause and threatened trade measures, recently stated that Spain had been fully redeemed. Following his return to Washington, Trump has maintained a more conciliatory stance toward the Spanish government.