Spanish striker says he'd shake Trump's hand if Spain wins

Spanish striker Borja Iglesias has said he will reluctantly shake hands with U.S. President Donald Trump should Spain win the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The match is scheduled to be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Trump expected to attend and present the trophy to the winning team.

Iglesias, a 33-year-old forward for Celta Vigo, made the comments to Spanish media on Saturday, July 18, expressing his discomfort with the potential encounter. He stated that he would avoid creating a scene, joking that he did not want to go to prison. He said he hoped to greet Trump at a moment when everyone is very happy, that it passes very quickly, and that he can forget about it. Iglesias emphasized that he did not think the occasion was the time to create controversy, adding that people know perfectly well what he thinks.

The player has built a public reputation in Spain for his outspoken social and political views. He was a vocal critic of former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales, who was convicted of sexual assault for forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso after Spain's victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. Iglesias has...