Nato leaders will not mention World Cup to Donald Trump to avoid irritating him at summit

As alliance gathers in Ankara, European leaders informally agree strategy to try to keep US president on side

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Nato leaders have informally agreed not to mention the football World Cup to Donald Trump in case they irritate the US president at a crucial time for the military alliance.

Officials said European leaders had discussed in the sidelines of the summit in Ankara how to keep Trump on side amid concerns he could further destabilise Nato with threats over defence spending.