Paraguay’s president will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in the United States, but will Donald Trump attend? |Football News
When the United States kicks off its 2026 World Cup match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, one head of state will be in attendance and another will not.Paraguay President Santiago Pena has confirmed that he will travel to California for Friday’s Group D match at SoFi Stadium, while U.S. President Donald Trump Despite marking his country’s first World Cup match played primarily at home, he will remain in Washington.The contrast has become one of the talking points in the lead-up to the game, especially given the importance of the occasion. The United States, one of three co-hosts of the tournament along with Mexico and Canada, led by Mauricio Pochettino, will face Paraguay, which has returned to the tournament after qualifying from South America.
Santiago Pena confirms trip to Los Angeles
Peña’s office announced The President of Paraguay will travel to Los Angeles for an official visit from June 11 to 15, coinciding with La Albirroja’s World Cup debut.The Paraguayan government officially notified Congress that Peña will leave the country during this period and go to Los Angeles to carry out his official agenda.The visit will focus on Paraguay’s opening game against the United States on June 12, but the president plans to continue with other official engagements after the game.His arrival means the Paraguayan national team will have direct support from the country’s top political office as they begin their World Cup campaign.
Why Trump missed the opener
Meanwhile, Trump will not attend the World Cup and 2028 Olympics, despite frequently promoting them as major international events during his presidency.Andrew Giuliani, chief executive of the White House World Cup Task Force, said the president’s schedule prevented him from traveling to Los Angeles.“He’s not going to end up playing in the opener,” Giuliani told TalkSport.“As we said, he has a busy schedule. But I know he will be playing the whole World Cup.”Giuliani added: “Having known President Trump for 30 years, what I can tell you is this: Expect the unexpected. Always expect the suspense from him. Over the course of the World Cup, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him getting more and more involved in the World Cup.”Trump is expected to remain in Washington ahead of UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday, which coincides with his 80th birthday celebrations.
Trump still sends message to USMNT
Although Trump will not be at SoFi Stadium, he has been in contact with Team USA.On Thursday, he called the team to offer support ahead of the game’s opener.The call was facilitated by Giuliani, who told the president: “I stand in front of 26 champions and a great coach. They are ready to break through the wall.”Trump then spoke directly to head coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Rehm.Trump told Pochettino: “I just called to say you’re a great guy, a great coach.”“I’ve heard about your record and your success, and I know how great the players are. I think you have a good chance to go all the way. I just want to wish you the best of luck.”According to Fox Sports reporter Jenny Taft, Trump also told the players: “We’re all rooting for you. The pressure is off. Have fun.”Pochettino thanked the president for his support.“Thank you very much for your support, Mr. President,” he replied.“We will do everything we can to make all the people of this country proud.”
who will represent us government ?
Despite Trump’s absence, the U.S. government will still send senior representatives to the game.The U.S. State Department confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will attend as part of the official U.S. delegation.In a statement, the department described the World Cup as “a landmark moment for the Trump administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.”
The absence of a host country leader is unusual
Historically, host country leaders have often watched their country’s World Cup opener.Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended the 2022 hosts’ opening match. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the opening game of Russia 2018, while Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was also in attendance when Brazil started in 2014.However, Trump is not the only current leader to miss the first game of this World Cup.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum holds up the name of Team Mexico as President Donald Trump, left, looks on during the draw ceremony for the 2026 Football World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was absent from Mexico’s opening game, a 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Aztec Stadium. Instead, she gave her VIP ticket to Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua, a young indigenous woman who won the national competition, and later watched the game in a fan zone in Mexico City.
Eyes on Los Angeles
With or without the president in attendance, the focus will soon shift to the pitch, with the United States reaching the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup and hoping to go further under Mauricio Pochettino.Paraguay, meanwhile, arrived in Los Angeles determined to crash their hosts’ party in front of a packed Los Angeles crowd.Pena will be watching the game from the stands. Trump won’t. But both countries know that once the World Cup finally comes to them, results on the field will be all that matters.
