One way to describe what happened is to say that at the MetLife Stadium's VIP box in New Jersey, to watch the 2026 World Cup final, the FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, the host country's president, Donald Trump, the co-organizers from Mexico and Canada, Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark Carney, and the finalist and favorite, Pedro Sánchez, were joined by the Kings of Spain on a Sunday. Another way to see it is to say that in the most coveted box on the planet, there was a display of forced sympathy and harmony between the most powerful man on the planet, his most enthusiastic and devoted 'friend,' and the leaders of three of the most criticized, attacked, and threatened nations from Washington in the last two years.
A huge and evident morbid curiosity, an explosive cocktail with socialist, liberal, and conservative politicians, with opposing and almost irreconcilable views of the world. Trump has lashed out against his neighbors to the south and north countless times, offending them, belittling them, imposing tariffs, and even considering annexation or using troops in their territory.
Champions forged like the earth, graceful like wings
Likewise, he has reproached our country and Sánchez in particular half a dozen times for spending little on Defense or not allowing him to use the bases to attack Iran, speculating about sanctions or even expulsion from NATO. On his social media, in press conferences, even face to face. None of that was seen last night. History shows that sports have often served as a bridge when diplomacy seemed to hit an immovable wall. The Olympics, World Cups, even minor championships have often facilitated approaches, impossible meetings.
They do not replace international summits, they are nothing like formal negotiations, but with volcanic leaders like Trump, not interested in the game itself but delighted with an audience of 1.6 billion people, they are a perfect opportunity. Without changing history, but lowering the temperature, opening channels of communication. Simply reminding that behind political differences, there are still people. Earlier this month, Trump ordered that no high-ranking Spanish official be received in Turkey. Yesterday, by grace and miracle of the ball, he extended his hand. Literally.
FIFA understood decades ago the political value of its competitions. For many, especially in the US, matches like this are almost an excuse. The important things happen before kick-off, during halftime, or at the end of the match. The corridors become the main forum. In our country, the boxes of the big stadiums have over time become the (poor) representation of pure networking and closing deals. In a World Cup, things are different. There are billionaires everywhere, world celebrities in every row, but in the brand's lounges and suites. The main box is a closed, super exclusive political domain. A unique opportunity to get close to one person and only one: Trump, delighted as a host, without the cameras of the White House or the deceptive atmosphere of Mar-a-Lago.
"A day we will all remember"
The lasting image is precisely that, of rivals who detest each other but spent 120 minutes of tension together. The image is of Carney joking with the man who made him prime minister despite the insults to his country. Of Pedro Sánchez, relaxed and at ease, shaking hands with someone who just a few days ago said that Spain was a disgrace. With King Felipe standing by his side and the Queen exchanging words with Infantino.
Everything was designed for the leader's happiness. Many American artists, English songs, some of his favorite singers and athletes. And a huge chorus of voices praising the tournament, the attendance at the stadiums, the lack of major incidents. With the climax of a final between the two best teams in the world. FIFA's shenanigans, the White House's interference, halftime turned into a lackluster Super Bowl, minor issues.
"We are facing the dream final against a much-loved country like Argentina. It is a day we will all remember," said the Spanish president upon arrival at the stadium. "As Luis Aragonés said, finals are not played, they are won. May the best team win, and may the best undoubtedly be Spain," he added, ensuring that "Spain is admired and loved for defending certain values and principles." Regarding his imminent meeting with Trump, Sánchez anticipated that he would "congratulate" him on the 250 years of US independence and the "success" of the World Cup, trusting that "beyond" the disagreements of the past months, the final would be "one of those days when sports unite."
Infantino and Trump, with the World Cup, on Sunday in New York.AFP
"So as we gather for a final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that united the world. Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. This is greatness," said Tom Cruise during the prelude, following a script that sought to rebuild some of the many bridges burned by the administration. It would be naive to think that a chat and a medal ceremony resolve geopolitical conflicts. No goal erases trade disputes, military issues. But Trump is very sensitive to success.
His opinion of people, businessmen, leaders is based on their victories, the aura they exude. On beauty and physical presence. "I would say it's hard to bet against Messi... I won't choose sides, I just think it's very difficult to bet against Messi. He's great," he said just before kick-off.
Hours later, back in Washington, Trump claimed to have congratulated Spain "for having a great team," denying having "any tension with anyone" and asserting that the Spanish national football team "seemed to dominate" in the final. "I have no tension with anyone," the Republican stated when asked about his recurring reproaches to Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane were in the main box alongside Trump, his family, and the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio's family. And on the Spanish side (although not seated there, but scattered throughout the stadium) were the Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, and the Vice President, Carlos Cuerpo.
A way to show respect. So that Washington associates sports, success, and more. It may seem naive, but in a decade, no one has found the recipe to charm Trump. Praise, gifts, submission work. Perhaps World Cups do too.