World Cup Final in the USA: Trump Makes Premiere Appearance, King Felipe and Sánchez Travel to Attend

Donald Trump is making his premiere appearance at the final "at his" home tournament, as the White House put it. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: "His participation will cap off a World Cup that has been the most-watched, safest and most successful in US history."

Trump's Premiere at the Home Tournament

Together with FIFA President Giovanni Infantino, Trump will, according to reports, appear before the cameras not least on the occasion of the trophy presentation to the winners. The visit marks the US President's most high-profile appearance to date in connection with the major event.

On the Spanish side, not only King Felipe VI will be keeping his fingers crossed, but also Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Sánchez assured attendees at the NATO summit in Ankara a few hours later that Spain's relations with the USA were "very positive." The trip to East Rutherford thus takes place against the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions.

At the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump had previously called Spain a "terrible NATO partner" and announced that his country would "immediately" sever all trade relations with the EU member state. Sánchez countered the threat by assuring good bilateral relations – yet he is still traveling to the final.

Spanish Delegation Travels Despite Tensions

Meanwhile, Argentine President Javier Milei is staying away from the final. "I have no business being in this photo," Milei said, adding: "I put them back on and haven't taken them off since." The background is a personal ritual surrounding Argentine matches.

Milei had previously acknowledged that during the round of 16 match against Switzerland (3:1 after extra time), he had briefly taken off a garment – and the team had then conceded a goal. "On that day, I'll get rid of it completely," Milei said about this. When asked whether this was part of a personal lucky routine, he replied "Yes."

Milei's Superstition and Refusal to Travel

In an interview with the radio station "El Observador," Milei had previously made clear: "No, absolutely not" – when asked whether he would travel to the final in the USA. His absence underscores the Argentine president's personal touch throughout the tournament.

The arrival of political guests fits into a series of high-profile visits to major sporting events. Observers also interpret the presence of multiple heads of state and government in the stands as a signal of the political significance attributed to the tournament in the USA.

While the Argentine squad is competing for the title, Milei is following the action from afar. His refusal to travel to the USA has made headlines in Argentina and internationally. As a result, one of Latin America's most well-known heads of state will be missing from the final.

Overall, it is becoming clear that the final in East Rutherford will be in the spotlight not only for sporting but also for political reasons. Trump's appearance, the trip by the Spanish royal couple along with Prime Minister Sánchez, and Milei's absence form the central headlines surrounding the tournament's closing act.

With regard to the trophy, it remains to be seen who will be celebrating on Sunday evening. The political prominence in the stands will follow the action from up close – and, in the event of their country's victory, will either celebrate or share in the moment.