Key facts
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey.
- U.S. President Donald Trump is also expected to be present at the final.
- Strained relations exist between Sanchez and Trump concerning defense spending and the war with Iran.
- Trump had previously threatened trade reprisals against Spain over its defense spending.
- Spain denied the U.S. use of its military bases and airspace during an attack on Iran.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to attend the World Cup final in New Jersey, where he may encounter U.S. President Donald Trump. Relations between the two leaders have been strained due to disagreements over defense spending commitments to NATO and Spain's stance on the war with Iran.
President Trump has previously criticized Spain for not meeting NATO's defense spending target of 5% of GDP, even threatening trade reprisals. However, he later softened his stance, acknowledging Spain's commitment to its agreed target of 2% of GDP. Earlier this year, Sanchez's administration also denied the U.S. access to its military bases and airspace during an attack on Iran, stating Spain sought the best possible relations with its allies.
Despite these tensions, Sanchez and Trump reportedly had a brief, friendly conversation at a recent NATO summit, discussing topics including the World Cup. The Spanish royal family, including King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofia, have also confirmed their attendance at the final.