President Donald Trump holds the USA after drawing from a bowl of balls during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, December 5, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/Pool Photo via AP)
When the United States begins its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, one head of state will attend and another will not.Paraguayan President Santiago Peña has confirmed that he will travel to California for Friday’s Group D match at Sophie’s Stadium, while United States President Donald Trump will remain in Washington despite his country’s opening World Cup match being played largely at home.The contrast became one of the talking points before the match, especially given the importance of the occasion. The United States is one of three countries hosting the tournament, along with Mexico and Canada, and opens its campaign under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino against Paraguay, which is returning to the World Cup after securing qualification from South America.
Santiago Peña confirms Los Angeles trip
Peña’s office announced that the Paraguayan president will travel to Los Angeles from June 11-15 as part of an official visit to coincide with La Alperoja’s World Cup debut.The Paraguayan government officially informed Congress that Peña would be out of the country during that period while carrying out an official agenda in Los Angeles.The visit is centered around Paraguay’s opening match against the United States on June 12, although the president is also scheduled to continue other official activities after the match.
His presence means the Paraguayan national team will have direct support from the country’s highest political office when they begin their World Cup campaign.
Why is Trump missing the opening match?
Meanwhile, Trump will not attend the game despite repeatedly touting the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as major international events to be held during his presidency.According to Andrew Giuliani, CEO of the White House World Cup Task Force, the president’s schedule prevented him from traveling to Los Angeles.“It won’t end with me attending the opening game,” Giuliani told TalkSport.“As we said, his schedule is tight. But I know he will participate throughout the World Cup.”Giuliani added: “Having known President Trump for 30 years, what I can tell you is: expect the unexpected. Always expect an exciting confrontation with him. Throughout this tournament, I would not be surprised if we see him participate more and more in the World Cup.”Trump is expected to remain in Washington before hosting the UFC Freedom 250 tournament at the White House on Sunday, which coincides with his 80th birthday celebrations.
Trump is still sending a message to the USMNT
Although he won’t be inside SoFi Stadium, Trump has already made contact with the US national team.On Thursday, he called the team to provide support ahead of the opening match of the tournament.The call was facilitated by Giuliani, who told the president: “I’m standing in front of 26 great champions and coaches. They’re ready to go and run through the wall.”Trump then spoke directly to coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream.“I just called to say you are a great guy and a great coach,” Trump told Pochettino.“I’ve heard all about your record and your success and I know how great the players are. I think you have a really good chance going forward. I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”According to Fox Sports reporter Jenny Taft, Trump also told the players: “We’re all rooting for you. The pressure’s off. Have some fun.”Pochettino thanked the president for his support.He replied: “Thank you very much for your support, Mr. President.”“We will do everything and all the people here in this country are proud.”
Who will act? United States Government ?
While Trump is absent, the US government will still have high-level representation in the match.The State Department confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullen will attend as part of the official US delegation.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.”
Unusual absence of the host nation’s leader
Historically, host nation leaders have often attended their country’s opening match at a World Cup.Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was present for the hosts’ opening match in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended Russia’s opening match in 2018, while Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was present when Brazil began its campaign in 2014.However, Trump is not the only current leader to skip the opening match in this tournament.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum holds the name of Team Mexico as President Donald Trump, left, looks on during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, December 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was absent from the opening match, which Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca. Instead, she gave her VIP ticket to Yulet Cervantes Coaquihua, a young indigenous woman who won a national competition and later watched the match from the fan zone in Mexico City.
Eyes on Los Angeles
With or without the presidential presence, the focus will soon turn to the field, as the United States has reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and begins this tournament hoping to make a deeper inroad under Pochettino.Meanwhile, Paraguay arrives intent on crashing the hosts’ party in front of a large Los Angeles crowd.Peña will watch the match from the stands. Trump won’t do that. But both countries know that the result on the field is what matters most when the World Cup begins for them.
