Trump thinks Spain’s a ‘loser.’ Spain’s ready to prove him wrong at the World Cup.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
No European country has infuriated Donald Trump more than Spain. Now it’s desperate to win his World Cup. Teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, Rodri and co. enter the tournament as joint favorites alongside France. With the U.S. president apparently intent on making this a World Cup that projects his personal influence and America’s soft power, victory would be sweet for Spanish soccer fans — but especially so for their prime minister. Outspoken socialist leader Pedro Sánchez, a supporter of Atlético Madrid, has clashed spectacularly with Trump over the Iran war, but also regarding NATO spending and Israel’s assault in Gaza. Meanwhile their policies on issues from energy to immigration could hardly be further apart. Read the full story about the failing Washington-Madrid relationship here.