US President Donald Trump has denied any friction with Spain after its national team won the World Cup, telling reporters he had congratulated Madrid on the victory.
Speaking at Joint Base Andrews near Washington on his return from the final, Trump said he had spoken to Spain and praised the squad. He insisted he had “no tension with anybody”.
His comments followed months of strain between Washington and the Spanish Government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. Spain is the only NATO member to have refused to commit to spending 5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defence by 2035, arguing it can meet its obligations at about 2 per cent.
Trump first threatened to halt all trade with Spain in March and repeated the warning this month. Sánchez had also declined to let American forces use bases at Rota and Morón, in southern Spain, and Spanish airspace for strikes on Iran, a campaign he condemned as unlawful.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 105th minute, securing a second world title and the country’s first since 2010.
Trump presented the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, drawing a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd. He remained among the celebrating players as they lifted the cup, staying in shot despite apparent efforts by Infantino to guide him aside.
Sánchez watched the match from the VIP section next to Trump, with King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia also attending.
Argentina’s defeat denied a title to a favourite of the Trump administration, its right-wing President Javier Milei. The final was widely expected to be the last for Lionel Messi, who left the pitch in tears.
Trump also hailed the tournament as one of the greatest events ever staged, claiming it had been several times larger than any World Cup FIFA had held before. He did not set out the basis for the comparison.
Trump, who has promoted the event as a showcase for the United States, said visitors from around the world had come to love the country.
