Paraguay’s president will probably be at USA’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, however is Donald Trump attending? | Soccer Information
When america start their 2026 FIFA World Cup marketing campaign towards Paraguay in Los Angeles, one head of state will probably be in attendance and one won’t.Paraguayan president Santiago Peña has confirmed he’ll journey to California for Friday’s Group D conflict at SoFi Stadium, whereas United States president Donald Trump will stay in Washington regardless of the match marking his nation’s opening fixture at a World Cup being performed largely on residence soil.The distinction has change into one of many speaking factors forward of the match, significantly given the importance of the event. The US are one of many event’s three co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada and are opening their marketing campaign below Mauricio Pochettino towards a Paraguay facet returning to the World Cup after securing qualification from South America.
Santiago Peña confirms Los Angeles journey
Peña’s workplace introduced that the Paraguayan president would journey to Los Angeles from June 11 to June 15 as a part of an official go to that coincides with La Albirroja’s World Cup debut.The Paraguayan authorities formally knowledgeable Congress that Peña could be overseas throughout that interval whereas finishing up an official agenda in Los Angeles.The go to centres round Paraguay’s opening match towards america on June 12, though the president can be scheduled to proceed with different official actions after the sport.His presence means Paraguay’s nationwide group could have direct assist from the nation’s highest political workplace as they start their World Cup marketing campaign.
Why Trump is lacking the opener
Trump, in the meantime, won’t attend the match regardless of often selling the World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Video games as main worldwide occasions going down throughout his presidency.In response to Andrew Giuliani, chief government of the White Home World Cup Job Drive, the president’s schedule prevented him from travelling to Los Angeles.“He is not going to finish up attending the opening sport,” Giuliani informed TalkSport.“As we have mentioned, his scheduling is tight. However I do know he will be engaged all through this World Cup.”Giuliani added: “Having recognized President Trump for now 30 years, what I can let you know is: anticipate the surprising. All the time anticipate a cliffhanger with him. All through the course of this event, it would not shock me if we see him have interaction increasingly with the World Cup.”Trump is predicted to stay in Washington forward of internet hosting UFC Freedom 250 on the White Home on Sunday, which coincides along with his eightieth birthday celebrations.
Trump nonetheless despatched a message to the USMNT
Though he won’t be inside SoFi Stadium, Trump has already made contact with america squad.On Thursday, he known as the group to supply assist forward of the event opener.The decision was facilitated by Giuliani, who informed the president: “I am standing in entrance of 26 champions and an important coach. They’re able to go and run by means of a wall.”Trump then spoke straight to go coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream.“I simply known as to say you are a incredible man, a incredible coach,” Trump informed Pochettino.“I’ve heard all about your report and your success and I understand how nice the gamers are. I feel you have obtained a extremely good probability of going all the best way. I simply need to want you loads of luck.”In response to Fox Sports activities reporter Jenny Taft, Trump additionally informed the gamers: “We’re all rooting for you. The stress is gone. Have some enjoyable.”Pochettino thanked the president for his assist.“Thanks a lot on your assist, Mr. President,” he replied.“We will do every thing and all of the folks right here on this nation proud.”
Who will characterize the United States authorities ?
Whereas Trump is absent, america authorities will nonetheless have senior illustration on the match.The State Division confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Safety Secretary Markwayne Mullin will attend as a part of the official American delegation.In an announcement, the division described the World Cup as “a landmark second for the Trump Administration, showcasing American management and hospitality to a worldwide viewers because the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.”
An uncommon absence for a bunch nation’s chief
Traditionally, host nations’ leaders have usually attended their nation’s opening World Cup match.Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was current for the hosts’ opening sport in 2022. Russian president Vladimir Putin attended Russia’s opener in 2018, whereas Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff was current when Brazil started its marketing campaign in 2014.Nonetheless, Trump isn’t the one present chief to skip a gap fixture at this event.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum holds up the group title of Mexico as President Donald Trump, left, appears to be like on in the course of the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup on the Kennedy Middle in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.(AP Photograph/Evan Vucci)
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum was absent from Mexico’s opening 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca. As a substitute, she gave her VIP ticket to Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua, a younger Indigenous lady who gained a nationwide competitors, and later watched the match from a fan zone in Mexico Metropolis.
Eyes on Los Angeles
With or with out presidential attendance, the main focus will quickly shift to the pitch, america reached the Spherical of 16 on the 2022 World Cup and start this event hoping to make a deeper run below Pochettino.Paraguay, in the meantime, arrive decided to spoil the hosts’ social gathering in entrance of a packed Los Angeles crowd.Peña will probably be watching from the stands. Trump won’t. However each international locations know the consequence on the sector is what’s going to matter most as soon as the World Cup lastly begins for them.
