Trump to Skip US World Cup Opener; Rubio Leads Delegation
President Donald Trump will not attend the US men's national team's opening 2026 World Cup match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026, instead staying in Washington D.C. for UFC-related events. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, will lead the US delegation. Rubio will meet Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. The absence breaks tradition for a host nation's head of state, amid controversies over US immigration policies affecting international fans.
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Trump to attend 2026 World Cup final and present trophy, says FIFA President Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July and help present the trophy to the winning team. Infantino, now a close friend of Trump, stated they would be together at the final. Trump, aged 80, has not yet attended any World Cup matches, reportedly due to his busy schedule. The tournament, which began on 11 June, is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the US hosting 78 of the 104 matches. This follows Trump's previous appearance at the Club World Cup final in 2025, where he remained on the winners' podium causing confusion.
BBC SportTrump to attend World Cup final, confirms FIFA president Gianni Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed on Fox & Friends that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and will present the trophy to the winning team. Trump has not attended any of the tournament's first 13 days of matches. The announcement follows Trump's appearance at last year's FIFA Club World Cup final at the same venue, where he was booed and awkwardly remained on the podium during Chelsea's trophy lift. Infantino described Trump as a 'close friend' and emphasized their frequent collaboration. The relationship has drawn criticism, including over FIFA awarding Trump the Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in December 2025, which human rights groups and the Norwegian Football Association condemned. FIFA's ethics committee was asked to investigate the Infantino-Trump relationship. The article also notes that Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the USMNT's opening match alongside Infantino.
Soccer - The AthleticTrump Congratulates US Team After World Cup Victory Over Paraguay
US President Donald Trump congratulated the United States national soccer team on Saturday for their 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup debut. Trump posted the message on Truth Social, praising the team's performance against a 'very good Paraguay team.' The president did not attend the match in Los Angeles; instead, Secretary of State Marco Rubio represented him, watching alongside Paraguay's President Santiago Peña and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump remained at the White House, where he will celebrate his 80th birthday on Sunday with a UFC mixed martial arts event before traveling to France for the G7 summit. The victory, coached by Argentine Mauricio Pochettino, puts the US in first place in Group D.
FútbolUSA Dominates Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup Opener as Hollywood Stars Celebrate
The United States men's national team made a powerful statement in their 2026 World Cup opener, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in Inglewood, California. The co-hosts delivered a gala performance, particularly in the first half, with Folarin Balogun scoring twice (31', 45+4) and an own goal by Paraguay's Damian Bobadilla (8') giving the USA an early lead. Gio Reyna added a fourth in stoppage time (90+7). Paraguay's Mauricio scored a consolation goal (73'). The match drew a star-studded audience including Tom Cruise, David Beckham, Leonardo DiCaprio, Katy Perry with husband Justin Trudeau, and Bill Gates. Notably, US President Donald Trump was absent, sending Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Interior Minister Markwayne Mullin instead. The USA next faces Australia on June 19 in Seattle, followed by Turkey on June 26.
BILD - SportTrump Calls USMNT Coach Pochettino Ahead of 2026 World Cup Opener
US President Donald Trump, who will not attend the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between the United States and Paraguay in Los Angeles, made a phone call to coach Mauricio Pochettino and the US squad to wish them luck. In a video posted on social media, Trump praised Pochettino as a 'fantastic guy' and 'great coach,' expressing confidence the team could 'go all the way.' Pochettino thanked Trump for his support. Trump will be represented at the match by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium, featuring Katy Perry and rapper Future, is expected to last 13 minutes and begin 90 minutes before kickoff. The US men's team, led by Pochettino and star Christian Pulisic, hopes to build enthusiasm for soccer in a country that still prefers American football.
Home Football - actualitésTrump calls USMNT ahead of World Cup opener, says team can go 'all the way'
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke via phone with the U.S. men's national soccer team on June 12, 2026, ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. The call lasted about two minutes, with all 26 players and staff present. Trump told coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream that the team has 'a really good chance of going all the way.' Trump will not attend the game; Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent the administration. The call mirrors President Joe Biden's 2022 call to the team before the Qatar World Cup. Trump has attended several sporting events during his presidency but chose not to attend this match, a departure from the tradition of host nation leaders attending opening games.
Soccer - The AthleticTrump calls USMNT, offers support ahead of World Cup opener: 'I wish you a lot of luck'
US President Donald Trump spoke via phone with the US men's national soccer team on June 12, 2026, offering support ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. The call lasted about two minutes, with Trump telling coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream that the team has 'a really good chance of going all the way.' Trump will not attend the match; Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend instead. The call mirrors President Joe Biden's similar gesture before the 2022 World Cup. Trump's absence is noted as unusual for a head of state of a co-host nation, though he has attended other major sporting events during his presidency.
Soccer - The AthleticTrump calls USMNT ahead of World Cup opener, says team can go 'all the way'
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke via phone with the U.S. men's national soccer team on June 12, 2026, ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium. The two-minute call included Trump expressing confidence that the team could go 'all the way' and wishing them luck. Trump will not attend the match; Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend instead. The call was posted on social media by U.S. Soccer. The article notes that Trump's decision not to attend is unusual for a head of state of a co-host nation, contrasting with past World Cup hosts. It also mentions that Mexico's president did not attend her country's opener. Trump has attended several other sporting events during his presidency.
Soccer - The AthleticPresident Trump will not attend U.S. team's World Cup opener
U.S. President Donald Trump will not attend the United States' World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California, as confirmed by Andrew Giuliani, CEO of the World Cup task force. Trump's absence is due to a tight schedule, including hosting the UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on his 80th birthday (June 14). While unusual for a host country's head of state to miss the national team's opener, it is not unprecedented; Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum also missed her country's opening match. The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Giuliani noted that Trump may engage with the tournament later, describing him as unpredictable.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.2026 World Cup: Donald Trump's Presence at US First Match Not Yet Confirmed
As the 2026 World Cup begins, the presence of US President Donald Trump at the United States' first match against Paraguay in Los Angeles remains unconfirmed. While Trump told AFP he intends to attend the tournament, stating 'I'll go, I'll go,' he did not specify which matches. Confirmed attendees for the US-Paraguay match include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Rubio is also expected to be accompanied by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. The tournament is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertUS President Trump to Skip World Cup Opener; Rubio to Lead Delegation
US President Donald Trump will not attend the first World Cup match of the US national team on home soil, according to sources from the Axel Springer Global Reporter Network. The match between the USA and Paraguay takes place on Friday in Los Angeles. Instead of Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the official US delegation, as announced by the State Department. Paraguay's President Santiago Peña will travel to California and attend the game. The decision comes amid diplomatic and logistical challenges surrounding the tournament, including visa issues affecting participating countries. Trump had previously highlighted the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as opportunities to demonstrate American strength.
Nachrichten - WELTU.S. Secretary of State Rubio to Attend World Cup Opener; Trump Expected to Skip
According to multiple media outlets including The Athletic UK and WSJ, U.S. President Donald Trump currently has no plans to attend the U.S. Men's National Team's World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday evening at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The State Department confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend, joined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Four anonymous sources familiar with World Cup preparations or Trump's plans expect the president will not attend, though his plans could change. This would be unusual for a host country head of state, as previous hosts (Qatar 2022, Russia 2018, Brazil 2014) all attended their team's opening match. Trump is expected to be in Washington, D.C., on Friday to watch UFC event rehearsals. During the match, Rubio will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to discuss regional security, trade, and emerging technologies. The State Department framed the World Cup as a milestone for the Trump administration showcasing American leadership during the U.S. 250th anniversary.
虎扑 - 足球Donald Trump to skip USA World Cup opener for UFC duties
United States President Donald Trump is set to miss the USA's World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, June 12, 2026, in Los Angeles. Instead, the 79-year-old president will remain in Washington D.C. for walk-throughs and events associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is hosting an event on Sunday, June 14, and will be honored at the White House. The State Department confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Secretaries Sean Duffy and Markwayne Mullin, will attend the match and meet Paraguay's president Santiago Pena. This marks a break from tradition, as U.S. presidents attended the national team's World Cup opener in each of the last three tournaments. The article is sourced from The Athletic and reported by Mirror Football.
Mirror - FootballMarco Rubio to Represent Trump Administration at US World Cup Opener
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles, where the United States faces Paraguay, according to the State Department. The delegation also includes Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the World Cup marks a turning point for the Trump administration, showcasing American leadership as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary. Rubio will hold a bilateral meeting with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena, a close Washington ally. President Donald Trump stated he plans to attend one or more matches, calling it 'the most successful World Cup in history.' The event is overshadowed by controversies over strict US anti-immigration policies, which have raised concerns among international fans about potential ICE checks.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuPresident Trump not planning on attending United States' opening World Cup game
President Donald Trump is not currently planning to attend the United States men's national team's opening World Cup match against Paraguay on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, according to four anonymous sources close to tournament planning or familiar with his plans. The State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the U.S. government delegation, joined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Trump's absence would be highly unusual for a host nation head of state, as previous hosts Qatar (2022), Russia (2018), and Brazil (2014) all attended their teams' opening matches. Trump is expected to be in Washington D.C. on Friday for UFC event walk-throughs. The White House has been approached for comment. Trump has attended numerous high-profile sporting events since returning to office, including the NBA Finals, Super Bowl, and UFC fights, with mixed public reactions.
Soccer - The AthleticPresident Trump Not Planning to Attend US Opening World Cup Game
President Donald Trump is not currently planning to attend the United States men's national team's opening World Cup match against Paraguay on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, according to four anonymous sources close to tournament planning. The State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, will lead the U.S. government delegation at the game. Trump's absence would be highly unusual for a host nation head of state, as previous hosts like Qatar's Emir (2022), Russia's Putin (2018), and Brazil's Rousseff (2014) all attended their teams' opening matches. Trump is expected to be in Washington D.C. on Friday for UFC event walk-throughs. He has attended numerous high-profile sporting events since returning to office, including the NBA Finals, Super Bowl, and UFC fights, with mixed crowd reactions. The State Department framed the World Cup as a landmark moment for the Trump Administration, coinciding with the nation's 250th anniversary.
Soccer - The AthleticPresident Trump Not Planning to Attend US Opening World Cup Game
President Donald Trump is not currently planning to attend the United States men's national team's opening World Cup match against Paraguay on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, according to four anonymous sources close to tournament planning or familiar with his plans. The State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, will lead the U.S. government delegation at the game. Trump is expected to be in Washington D.C. on Friday for walk-throughs of a UFC event. It would be highly unusual for a host nation's head of state to skip their team's opening match. Trump has attended numerous high-profile sporting events since returning to office, including the NBA Finals, Super Bowl, and UFC fights, receiving mixed reactions from crowds.
Soccer - The Athletic