20.07.2026 07:30
US President Donald Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met for the first time since their recent diplomatic tensions at the World Cup final. The handshake between the two leaders, who often clash over NATO and trade policies, was described by foreign media as "one of the most striking moments of the night."
The Spain-Argentina World Cup final played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA, made headlines not only for its football but also for the diplomatic scenes in the VIP tribune. The handshake between US President Donald Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was captured by cameras after a long period of political tension.
TRUMP HAD TARGETED SANCHEZ WITH HARSH WORDS
Relations between the two leaders had been strained, especially due to debates over defense spending at NATO. Trump harshly criticized Spain for not increasing its defense budget and also threatened the Madrid administration with trade sanctions. Spain's distant approach to US policies on Iran was also one of the issues that deepened disagreements between the two countries.
UNEXPECTED HANDSHAKE
Despite all this tension, Trump and Sanchez shook hands in the VIP tribune before the World Cup final. The moments when the two leaders briefly chatted were captured on camera, and the images received widespread coverage in Spanish and international media.
FOREIGN PRESS: THEY SET ASIDE THEIR DIFFERENCES
The Spanish press described the handshake between the two leaders with the words: "they set aside their differences, at least for one evening." El País wrote that the meeting was not only sportive but also a symbolic diplomatic encounter, while Cadena SER referred to this image as "one of the most anticipated scenes of the final."