Spanish forward Borja Iglesias is preparing for the biggest match of his career — the World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday at New York/New Jersey Stadium. However, the prospect of shaking President Donald Trump’s hand after a potential victory has sparked unease for the striker, who made his feelings clear during a conversation with Spanish media on Saturday.
«I don’t want to go to prison,» Iglesias said of the handshake, according to All Out Soccer. «I hope to greet him at a time when we are all very happy, and that it passes very quickly and I can forget about it.» The forward emphasized that he does not want to create controversy ahead of the high-stakes match, but acknowledged his well-known political views. «People know perfectly well what I think. I would love to do many things, but the reality is that even if people think I am all-powerful, I don’t have that much power to tackle certain things,» he added.
Iglesias has a history of outspoken activism. He has previously expressed support for pro-Palestinian protesters and was vocal in criticizing the former Spanish soccer federation president, who resigned after kissing a player during the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy ceremony. The striker also commented on Trump’s leadership, saying the president «struggles» with people who fight «for progress and for fundamental values.»
President Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final, continuing a pattern of involvement in major soccer events. He recently participated in the trophy presentation at the FIFA Club World Cup and remained on stage for the celebration ceremony. His presence at Sunday’s match adds a layer of political tension to an already highly anticipated sporting event.
Spain faces Argentina in the final at 3 p.m. ET, with the match broadcast on FOX. The game pits two of the world’s top teams against each other, with Spain seeking its second men’s World Cup title and Argentina aiming for a third. The outcome will determine whether Iglesias must navigate the awkward handshake he dreads.
Iglesias’ comments have drawn attention beyond sports, highlighting the intersection of athletics and politics. While the striker hopes the moment passes quickly, his remarks underscore the broader debates surrounding national pride, personal conviction, and public ceremony. For now, Iglesias remains focused on the match, but his reluctance to engage with Trump has become a notable subplot ahead of the final whistle.
