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

Paula Pinho, the European Commission's official spokesperson, confirmed to Politico that von der Leyen 'received an invitation to attend the World Cup final, but she will not attend due to scheduling reasons.'

The absence comes at a time when US President Donald Trump is expected to dominate the closing scene, as he is set to hand over the trophy and ascend the podium while the winning team lifts it.

Both teams reached the final after defending champion Argentina defeated England in Atlanta, and Spain swept past France in Dallas.

While the final will be attended by Trump, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and King Felipe VI of Spain—who called coach Luis de la Fuente after qualification—von der Leyen will be absent. She had expressed support for European football by posting a picture holding a soccer ball before the European semi-finals, commenting: 'Whoever wins tonight, there will be a strong European team in the final.'

Von der Leyen's decision comes after a visit early this week to Kyiv to reaffirm EU support for Ukraine, and then to Paris for Bastille Day celebrations, which coincided with Spain's 2-0 victory over France. She is expected to meet former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi in Brussels on Monday to discuss European competitiveness.

Von der Leyen will not be the only absentee from the final; Argentine President Javier Milei, a prominent ally of Trump, is also not expected to attend. He prefers to watch his country's matches from home, for reasons believed to be related to superstition, despite his public praise for Lionel Messi.