Sánchez’s government has refused to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, a target set by other NATO allies last year at Trump’s urging. During July’s NATO summit in Ankara, the U.S. president briefly threatened to cut all trade with Spain, calling the country “a wasted cause,” but walked back the warning a day later.
A spokesperson emphasized the brief nature of the World Cup visit and indicated it was unlikely Sánchez would meet U.S. officials at the match.
Sánchez’s presence at the final was uncertain due to a trip to Algeria scheduled the following day, but the spokesperson confirmed he would leave after the match. He missed Tuesday’s semifinal against France to attend Bastille Day celebrations and meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
Argentine President Javier Milei, whose team will face Spain in the final, will miss the game due to superstition. Sánchez has poor relations with Milei, who has publicly criticized him and his wife multiple times.













Leave a Reply