President Donald Trump smiles after the United States of America is drawn from a bowl during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, December 5, 2025. (Dan Mullan/Pool Photo via AP)
The US men’s national team received a message of support from President Donald Trump on the eve of the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, with coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream listening as the president offers encouragement ahead of the tournament on home soil.The United States begins its World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday evening, amid high expectations as one of the three countries participating in hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.According to the NFL’s official social media accounts, Trump called the team on Thursday to wish them well ahead of their Group D opener.The call was facilitated by Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House World Cup Task Force, who addressed the players before handing the phone to the president.“I stand before 26 great champions and coaches,” Giuliani told Trump. “They’re ready to go and run through the wall.”
Trump supports Pochettino and the United States
In his direct conversation with Pochettino, who was sitting next to captain Tim Ream, Trump praised the Argentine coach and expressed his confidence in the team’s chances.“I just called to say you’re a great guy and a great coach,” Trump said.He continued: “I have heard all about your record and your success and I know how great the players are.
I think you have a really good chance of moving forward. I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”According to Fox Sports correspondent Jenny Taft, Trump also sent a message aimed at relieving pressure on the team ahead of the tournament.The president told the players: “We are all rooting for you. The pressure is off. Have some fun.”Pochettino thanked Trump for the support and stressed that the team understands the responsibility of representing the host country in the tournament.Pochettino responded, saying: “Thank you very much for your support, Mr. President.”He added, placing his hand on Ream’s shoulder: “We will do everything.” [to make] You and all the people here in this country are proud.”
A new era under Pochettino’s leadership
The World Cup represents the biggest test yet for Pochettino since he was named US coach in August 2024.The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager has been brought in to guide the Americans through their home World Cup tournament and help the team make a deep run on football’s biggest stage.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino listens to a question during a press conference before its World Cup match against Paraguay at SOFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
The United States enters the tournament as hosts in Group D, along with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.The opening match against Paraguay will be played at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, one of the main stadiums in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Trump missed the opening match, but the administration was represented
Despite personal contact with the team, Trump was not expected to attend the opening match against Paraguay.Instead, several members of his administration were scheduled to be present in Los Angeles.The US State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullen will attend the match.
The United States men’s national soccer team poses after announcing its roster, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in New York, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
In a statement, the department described the World Cup as “a historic moment for the Trump administration, demonstrating American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.”While Trump is skipping the opener, a White House official told USA Today that he plans to attend the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
The World Cup atmosphere is shaping up in Los Angeles
The US opening night was scheduled to be accompanied by a major pre-kick-off entertainment program.The opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium was scheduled to begin 90 minutes before the game and will include performances by pop star Katy Perry and rapper Future.As the hosts prepare to launch their campaign, the president’s invitation adds another layer to an occasion that already carries great weight.But for Pochettino and his players, the focus remains firmly on what happens once the ball starts rolling against Paraguay.After years of preparation and anticipation, the United States is finally ready to begin its journey home to the World Cup finals.
