“I don’t want to go to jail”- Spain striker explains viral Donald Trump World Cup comments
Fearing a literal international incident, Spain forward Borja Iglesias relies on humor to address a highly controversial post-match protocol.
Sports protocol and high-stakes global politics are officially colliding hours before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final kicks off.
With United States President Donald Trump scheduled to hand out medals and share the trophy presentation stage with FIFA leadership at the New York New Jersey Stadium, players from both finalists are facing a highly publicized corporate requirement - the mandatory post-match handshake.
Trump: "Spain is a wasted cause. We don't want to do any trade business with Spain anymore, by the way. I'd like to cut it off. Spain is a terrible partner in NATO. Cut off all trade with Spain, please. Including visits. We don't want anything to do. They're hopeless. Bad… pic.twitter.com/mcWRBhARjF
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 8, 2026
For Spain’s veteran striker Borja Iglesias, the pending encounter has sparked a viral wave of commentary after he candidly, yet jokingly, revealed his perspective on meeting the American commander-in-chief.
“I don’t want to go to jail”
In an interview with the Spanish football magazine Panenka, the 33-year-old Celta Vigo forward was pressed on how he intends to navigate the official medal queue should La Roja defeat Argentina to claim their second world championship. Iglesias, famously known in Spain as “El Panda”, quickly broke into irony to avoid creating a massive international incident.
“Yes, I will shake his hand. I don’t want them to throw me in prison,” Iglesias joked with a laugh. “I hope it’s a moment that happens when we are all very happy, that it passes by very quickly, and that I can forget about it.”
🚨 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Spain striker Borja Iglesias has confirmed he will shake Donald Trump's hand if Spain win the World Cup.
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 19, 2026
"I don't want to go to prison. I hope it happens when we're all happy, that it passes quickly and I can forget about it.
"I don't think this is the time to create… pic.twitter.com/UHy5DJkAt3
The forward, who has long been one of Spanish soccer’s most outspoken figures on civil liberties, social rights, and anti-racism initiatives, made it clear that while he has personal reservations, he has no desire to derail Spain’s biggest sporting moment in a generation.
“I don’t think this is the time to create controversy because people already know very well what I think,” Iglesias explained. “I would like to do many things, but the reality is that even if people think we are omnipotent, I don’t really have that much power to deal with certain issues.”
🚨 Spain's Borja Iglesias says Trump "struggles" with people who fight "for progress and for fundamental values," but will still shake his hand at the trophy ceremony if Spain win.
— CUPID FC (@CUPID_FC) July 19, 2026
His exact words: "I don't want to go to prison... I hope it passes very quickly and I can forget… pic.twitter.com/hEqSRYCyzB
Historically, American sports stars visiting the White House have frequently used their platforms to boycott political figures they disagree with. However, a FIFA World Cup presentation is entirely different territory.
Under strict FIFA protocol guidelines, players who refuse to participate in the formal medal ceremonies or snub high-ranking world dignitaries risk heavy fines, institutional sanctions, and severe structural bans from future international play. Knowing the regulatory teeth behind the handshake, Iglesias opted for a self-deprecating joke over a political stand.
The Spanish squad enters the final looking to balance their immense cultural narrative with clinical focus. Manager Luis de la Fuente’s men have rewritten international soccer textbooks this summer. Following an uninspiring opening draw against Cape Verde, the team has reeled off six successive wins, eliminating traditional titans like Portugal, Belgium, and France while conceding just a single goal all tournament, making them the first team in men’s World Cup history to record six clean sheets.
Whether Iglesias will actually have to share that lightning-fast, high-stakes handshake with Trump depends entirely on whether Spain can stop Lionel Messi and the reigning champions over 90 grueling minutes on the field.
Related stories
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment