The famous figure refuses to accept the invitation to participate in the final of the World Cup with Trump

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declined an invitation to attend the 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for Sunday’s MetLife Stadium between Argentina and Spain, in a game expected to be overshadowed by the political climate.

The official representative of the European Commission, Paula Piño, confirmed to the website.PoliticalVon der Leyen “has received an invitation to participate in the World Cup final, but will not participate due to reasons related to his agenda.”

The absence comes as US President Donald Trump is expected to dominate the final scene, as he is due to hand over the trophy and climb to the podium before the winning team raises it.

The two teams qualified for the final after defending champions Argentina defeated England in Atlanta and Spain defeated France in Dallas.

While Trump, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Spain’s King Felipe VI, who called coach Luis de la Fuente after qualifying, will attend the final, von der Leyen will be absent as he showed his support for European football by posting a picture of himself holding a soccer ball ahead of the European semi-final, commenting:

Von der Leyen’s decision follows a weekend visit to Kiev to confirm European Union support for Ukraine and then to Paris for Bastille Day celebrations to coincide with Spain’s 2-0 win over France. He is expected to meet with former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi in Brussels on Monday to discuss the issue of European competitiveness.

Von der Leyen will not be the only one missing from the final, as Argentine President Javier Mele, a prominent Trump ally, is also not expected to attend, preferring to watch his country’s games from home for reasons he says are linked to optimism and pessimism, despite his public praise for Lionel Messi.