The United States of America (USA) will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday when they play Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium.
The Stars and Stripes reached the round of 16 of the last edition of the tournament and are looking to shine on home soil, this time under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Now that the team starts the World Cup as one of the co-hosts, the question remains whether American President Donald Trump will attend the match.
Trump was present at the World Cup draw last year when he was also awarded the FIFA Peace Prize.
Will Donald Trump attend the World Cup match between the US and Paraguay?
No, US President Donald Trump will not attend the US vs. Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Why won’t Donald Trump attend the opening US football match?
Donald Trump will be absent in the US versus Paraguay due to a tight schedule.
“He will ultimately not attend the opening match,” Andrew Giuliani, the CEO of the World Cup task force, told TalkSport on Thursday. «As we said, his schedule is tight. But I know he will be involved throughout this World Cup.»
He is due in Washington, DC later this weekend. He hosts the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday, his 80th birthday.
Is it new that a head of state is missing the opening match of the World Cup?
No. While it is unusual for a host country’s head of state to miss the country’s World Cup opener, it is not unprecedented.
President Claudia Sheinbaum of co-host country Mexico was not present on Thursday when her country defeated South Africa 2-0. The Mexican government held a contest to give away Sheinbaum’s seat.
Who from the US office will attend the US vs. Paraguay at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed their presence in a press release earlier this week.
Giuliani, the son of former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, said he was unsure when Trump would appear.
«Having known President Trump for 30 years, I can tell you: expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him,» Giuliani said. “During this tournament I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him become more and more involved in the World Cup.”
(With input from agencies)
Published on June 13, 2026
