“I do not want to go to prison,” Borja Iglesias, Spain’s striker, told reporters when asked whether he would shake President Donald Trump’s hand if Spain wins the World Cup final, according to All Out Soccer and as reported by Fox News. The remark came in the first media sessions ahead of Sunday’s final against Argentina at New York/New Jersey Stadium and was relayed to international outlets by All Out Soccer before Fox News published follow-up coverage.
Why Trump’s presence matters for the final
President Donald Trump’s planned attendance at the World Cup final elevates standard postmatch protocol into a moment of heightened public attention. Trophy presentations and on-field handshakes are routine in major finals, but a sitting or former president on the pitch draws political and media scrutiny that can amplify small gestures.
The final at New York/New Jersey Stadium is already one of the year’s most-watched sporting events. Broadcasters will carry the ceremony live — FOX is scheduled to air the match at 3 p.m. ET — meaning any handshake or avoided greeting will be visible to millions and quickly circulated on social platforms.
Organizers and teams typically rehearse presentation logistics, but the presence of prominent political figures has in past tournaments turned ceremonial moments into broader news stories. That context is why Iglesias’ short, pointed answer drew attention beyond the usual pregame commentary.
Borja Iglesias background and past activism
Borja Iglesias is a forward/striker for Spain and has spoken publicly on political matters in the past. Reporting has noted his expressions of solidarity with pro-Palestinian protesters and critical comments directed at figures within the Spanish soccer federation; those prior remarks help explain why questions about a ceremonial handshake would be sensitive for him.
In his recent comments, Iglesias framed his response as a personal concern about consequences and optics rather than an official team position. Media accounts attribute the wording — including the phrase about not wanting to “go to prison” — to Iglesias himself as reported by All Out Soccer and then picked up by Fox News.
What this means for Spain vs Argentina coverage
The Spain vs Argentina final will be debated for both sporting and surrounding storylines. On-pitch events — goals, tactics and key player moments — will remain central, but pre- and postgame coverage is likely to include discussion of ceremonial interactions, the presence of political figures and how teams manage optics during the trophy presentation.
Viewers tuning in to FOX at 3 p.m. ET should expect comprehensive match coverage plus analysis of any notable ceremonial exchanges. If Spain prevails, broadcasters and social media channels will closely watch how players and staff handle the trophy presentation and whether any handshakes occur.
Match action and players at the World Cup final drew intense attention throughout the tournament and will again be the focal point of the broadcast and highlights.
What comes next: reactions and potential consequences
Immediate reactions are likely to come from teammates, coaching staff and federation officials. Team leaders may issue clarifying guidance about interactions with visiting dignitaries to ensure a consistent approach during a high-pressure final.
Any disciplinary or formal response would depend on subsequent actions or statements and on the Spanish federation’s assessment, not on a single quoted remark. Sporting authorities typically consider intent, context and the content of remarks before opening formal proceedings; as reported, Iglesias’ line was offered as a personal concern rather than an explicit political act.
Media coverage will track how the handshake question affects team dynamics and whether teammates adhere to a collective protocol for ceremonial moments. All Out Soccer’s reporting and Fox News’ coverage are the sources that relayed Iglesias’ original words to an international audience; further comments from the player or Spain’s staff could clarify intent.
Brief risk note
The wording that Iglesias “does not want to go to prison” is his reported phrasing and should be understood as the player’s expressed concern, per All Out Soccer and Fox News. Any suggestion of legal consequences tied to a handshake is speculative and not independently verified by those reports, so coverage should avoid asserting unproven legal or political outcomes based solely on the quoted comment.
FAQs
Will Borja Iglesias shake hands with Trump?
Iglesias has said he would prefer not to and used clear language about his personal concern; he also indicated hope that any greeting would be brief if it happens. Final behavior may depend on team protocol, timing of the ceremony and decisions made in the moment.
Could Iglesias face discipline for his remarks?
Disciplinary measures would depend on any follow-up actions, statements and the Spanish federation’s review. As reported by All Out Soccer and covered by Fox News, the comment was a personal remark and does not itself establish a disciplinary violation.
When and where is the final and how to watch?
The Spain vs Argentina World Cup final is at New York/New Jersey Stadium and is scheduled to air on FOX at 3 p.m. ET.
Source: Fox News – Latest Headlines. Original reporting: World Cup goalkeeper expresses reluctance to shake Trump’s hand should Spain win tournament. Additional reporting referenced: All Out Soccer.
