World Cup striker expresses reluctance to shake Trump’s hand should Spain win tournament

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Spanish forward Borja Iglesias is going into the biggest match of his career –the World Cup finalagainst Argentina – on Sunday afternoon at New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Should Spain win, Iglesias will be one of the players who will shake PresidentDonald Trump’shand after the match.However, Iglesias is no fan of the president and made it known while he talked to the Spanish media on Saturday.

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Borja Iglesias celebrates with Rodri after the soccer match.

Spain’s Borja Iglesias celebrates with Rodri after the World Cup semifinal soccer match against France in Arlington, Texas, Tuesday, July 14, 2026.(David J.Phillip/AP)

“I don’t want to go to prison,” he said of shaking Trump’s hand, viaAll 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.

“I don’t think this is the time to create controversy.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.”

Borja Iglesias talks with the media before a training session in Carson, Calif.

Spain’s Borja Iglesias talks with the media before a training session ahead of a World Cup quarterfinal soccer match against Belgium in Carson, Calif., July 9, 2026.(Andre Penner/AP)

Iglesias has previously expressed his support for pro-Palestinian protesters and was outspoken against the formerSpanish soccer federation bosswho departed his post after he kissed a player following the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

He said that he thought Trump “struggles” with people who fight “for progress and for fundamental values.”

Trump is set to be atthe World Cup final.He participated in the trophy presentation at the FIFA Club World Cup, remaining on the stage for the celebration ceremony.

President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, during the FIFA World Cup official draw at John F.Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Dec.5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.(Getty Images)

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Spain willplay Argentina on Sundayat 3 p.m.ET.