Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declined an invitation to the FIFA Men's World Cup final.
- The final features Spain against Argentina.
- U.S. President Donald Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez are expected to attend.
- Von der Leyen cited agenda reasons for her absence.
- Argentinian President Javier Milei is also expected to miss the event.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declined an invitation to attend the FIFA Men's World Cup final on Sunday, citing agenda reasons. The match will see Spain compete against Argentina.
Notable attendees expected at the final include U.S. President Donald Trump, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and Spain's King Felipe VI. Argentinian President Javier Milei is also anticipated to be absent, reportedly preferring to watch the game at home for superstitious reasons.
Von der Leyen had previously expressed support for a European team in the final, posting a photo with a football after Spain's semifinal victory. Her schedule has included recent visits to Kyiv to show EU support for Ukraine and Paris for Bastille Day celebrations. She is set to meet former European Central Bank head Mario Draghi in Brussels to discuss European competitiveness.