Spain striker Borja Iglesias has stated he will reluctantly shake hands with U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Cup final, expressing a desire to avoid creating controversy and potential personal repercussions.
President Trump is scheduled to be present at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for the final on Sunday, where Spain will face defending champions Argentina. He is expected to present the Jules Rimet trophy to the winning team.
Iglesias, who has been vocal about his political and social views, indicated his apprehension about the encounter. He has previously supported pro-Palestine protesters, participated in Black Lives Matter demonstrations by painting his fingernails black, and spoken out against homophobia. He also voiced his stance during the controversy involving former Royal Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.
"I don't want to go to prison," Iglesias told a local magazine regarding the prospect of meeting Trump. "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."
Iglesias, who has scored 18 goals this season for Celta Vigo, has made three appearances in the World Cup, totaling 73 minutes as a backup striker. He is expected to play a similar role in the final.
The tournament has previously seen controversy involving a U.S. striker and President Trump. Folarin Balogun received a one-match suspension after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA controversially overturned the ban for a year after a call from President Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This decision drew widespread criticism, with UEFA describing it as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
