President Donald Trump dismissed suggestions of friction with Spain on Saturday after presenting the 2026 World Cup trophy to captain Rodri following Spain's 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Trump, who handed out medals and remained for the trophy celebration alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, said he had "no tension with anyone" and congratulated Spain for fielding "a great team."
The appearance of diplomatic ease contrasts with months of strained relations between Washington and Madrid since Trump returned to office in January 2025, driven largely by disputes over NATO defense spending. Trump claimed Spain had made numerous NATO payments in early July and called the tournament "one of the greatest events of any kind in history."
Trump greeted King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in the stadium box. The two leaders last met at the NATO summit in Ankara earlier this month.