One way to tell what happened is to say that in the VIP box of MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, to watch the 2026 World Cup final, on a Sunday gathered the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, the host country’s president, Donald Trump, the co-hosts, Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark Carney, from Mexico and Canada, and the finalist and favorite, Pedro Sánchez, along with the Kings of Spain. Another way to see it is to say that in the most coveted box on the planet there was a festival of forced sympathy and harmony between the most powerful man on the planet, his most enthusiastic and devoted ‘friend,’ and the leaders of three of the most criticized, attacked, and threatened nations from Washington in the last two years.
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A huge and obvious morbid curiosity, an explosive cocktail with socialist, liberal, and conservative politicians, with opposing and almost irreconcilable worldviews. Trump has lashed out at his neighbors to the south and north on countless occasions, has offended them, despised them, imposed tariffs, and even brandished options of annexation or using troops on their territory.
Champions carved like the earth, graceful like wings
- Writing: ORFEO SUÁREZ
Ugly, strong, and formal
- Writing: LOQUILLO (Musician)
Likewise, he has reproached our country and Sánchez in particular half a dozen times for the low Defense spending or not letting him use the bases to attack Iran, speculating with sanctions or even expulsion from NATO. On his social media, in press conferences, even face to face. None of that was seen last night. History shows that sport has often served as a bridge when diplomacy seemed to hit an immovable wall. The Olympic Games, the World Cups, even minor championships have fostered approaches, impossible meetings.
They do not replace international summits, they do not resemble formal negotiations at all, but with volcanic leaders like Trump, not interested in the game itself, but delighted with an audience of 1.6 billion people, they are a perfect opportunity. Without changing history, but lowering the temperature, opening communication channels. Simply remembering that behind political differences there are still people. Trump gave orders in Turkey earlier this month that no one should receive a high Spanish official. Yesterday, by the grace and miracle of the ball, he extended his hand. Literally.
FIFA understood decades ago the political value of its competitions. For many, especially in the US, matches like this are almost an excuse. The important things happen before the kickoff, during halftime, or after the match ends. The hallways become the main forum. In our country, the boxes of the big stadiums have become over time the (bad) representation of pure networking and deal-making. In a World Cup, things are different. There are billionaires everywhere, global celebrities in every row, but in the brand lounges and suites. The main box is a political preserve, closed, super exclusive. A unique opportunity to approach one person and only one: Trump, delighted as host, without the cameras of the White House or the deceptive atmosphere of Mar-a-Lago.
“a day we will all remember”
The image that will remain is precisely that, of rivals who detest each other but spent 120 tense minutes together. The image is of Carney joking with the man who made him prime minister because of offenses to his country. That of Pedro Sánchez, relaxed and at ease, shaking hands with someone who just a few days ago said Spain was a disgrace. With King Felipe standing by his side and the Queen exchanging words with Infantino.
Everything was designed for the leader’s happiness. Many American artists, songs in English, some of their favorite singers and athletes. And a huge choir of voices praising the tournament, the attendance at the stadiums, the lack of major incidents. Capped by a final between the two best teams in the world. FIFA’s botches and favors, White House interference, halftime turned into a graceless Super Bowl, minor things.
“We are facing the dream final against a very beloved country like Argentina. It is a day we will all remember,” said the Spanish president upon arrival at the stadium. “As Luis Aragonés said, finals are not played, they are won. May the best win and may the best undoubtedly be Spain,” he added, assuring that “Spain is admired and loved for defending values and principles.” About his imminent meeting with Trump, Sánchez said he would congratulate him on the 250 years of US independence and on the “success” of the World Cup, trusting that “beyond” the “disagreements” of recent months, the final would be “one of those days when sport unites.”
“So as we gather for a final chapter, let’s celebrate a tournament that united the world. Let’s celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. This is greatness,” said Tom Cruise in the prologue following a script that sought to rebuild some of the many bridges burned by the administration. It would be naive to think that a chat and a medal ceremony resolve geopolitical conflicts. No goal eliminates trade disagreements, military problems. But Trump is very sensitive to success.
“I will not choose sides”
His opinion of people, businessmen, leaders is based on their victories, on the aura they transmit. On beauty and physical presence. “I would say it’s hard to bet against Messi… I will not choose sides, I just think it’s very hard to bet against Messi. He is great,” he said just before the start.
Hours later, back in Washington, Trump said he congratulated Spain “for having a great team”, denying having “any tension with anyone” and affirming that the Spanish national football team “seemed to dominate” in the final. “I have no tension with anyone,” the Republican said when asked about the recurring reproaches to Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane were in the main box alongside Trump, his family, and the family of the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. And on the Spanish side (although not seated there, but scattered throughout the stadium) the Foreign Ministers, José Manuel Albares, and the Vice President Carlos Cuerpo.
A way to show respect. So that Washington associates sport, success, and more things. It seems naïve, but in a decade no one has found the recipe to seduce Trump. Praise, gifts, submission work. Maybe also the World Cups.
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