When the United States begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, one head of state will be in attendance and one will not.Paraguay President Santiago Pena has confirmed he will travel to California for Friday’s Group D clash at the Sofi Stadium, while United States President Donald Trump will remain in Washington despite his country’s opening match at the World Cup being played largely on home soil.This contradiction became a topic of discussion before the match, especially given the importance of the occasion. The United States is one of three co-hosts of the tournament along with Mexico and Canada and opens its campaign under Mauricio Pochettino against a Paraguay team returning to the World Cup after qualifying from South America.
Santiago Pena confirms Los Angeles trip
Peña’s office announced that the President of Paraguay will travel to Los Angeles from June 11 to June 15 as part of an official visit, coinciding with the World Cup debut of La Albirroja.The Paraguayan government formally informed Congress that Peña would be out of the country during that period while completing 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 game.His presence means the Paraguay national team will receive direct support from the country’s highest political office as they begin their World Cup campaign.
Why is Trump missing the opener?
Meanwhile, Trump will not attend the match despite repeatedly promoting the World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games as major international events to be held during his presidency.According to Andrew Giuliani, chief executive of the White House World Cup Task Force, the president’s schedule prevented him from traveling to Los Angeles.“He will not be attending the opening game,” Giuliani told talkSPORT.“As we have said, he has a busy schedule. But I know he will be busy during this World Cup.”Giuliani said: “Having known President Trump for the last 30 years, what I can tell you is: Expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him. During this tournament, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him more and more preoccupied with the World Cup.”Trump is expected to stay in Washington before hosting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday, which coincides with his 80th birthday celebration.
Trump still sent a message to the USMNT
Although he won’t be inside SoFi Stadium, Trump has already contacted the United States squad.On Thursday, he called the team to offer support ahead of the opening of the tournament.The call was facilitated by Giuliani, who told the President: “I’m standing in front of 26 champions and a great coach. They’re ready to go and run over the wall.”After this Trump spoke directly to head coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream.“I just called to say you’re a great guy, a great coach,” Trump told Pochettino.“I’ve heard all about your record and your success and I know what great players they are. I think you’ve got a great chance to advance. 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 supporting you. The pressure is off. Have some fun.”Pochettino thanked the President for his support.He replied, “Thank you very much for your support, Mr. President.”“We’re going to make everything in this country and everyone here proud.”
who will represent united states government ?
While Trump is absent, the United States government will still have senior representation at the match.The 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 US delegation.In a statement, the department called the World Cup “a historic moment for the Trump administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.”
Unusual absence of the leader of the host country
Historically, leaders of host nations have often attended their country’s opening World Cup match.Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was present for the hosts’ opening game in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin attended Russia’s inaugural match in 2018, while Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was present when Brazil launched its campaign in 2014.However, Trump is not the only sitting leader to skip the opening match of this tournament.
President Donald Trump looks on left as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum names Mexico’s team during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Ivan Vucci)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was absent from Mexico’s opening 2–0 win over South Africa at the Estadio Azteca. Instead, he gave his VIP ticket to Yolet Cervantes Cuquehua, a young indigenous woman who had won a national competition, and later watched the match from a fan area in Mexico City.
eyes on los angeles
With or without the president’s presence, the focus will soon shift to the pitch, with the United States reaching the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and heading into this tournament hoping to make a deep run under Pochettino.Meanwhile, Paraguay arrived in front of a packed Los Angeles crowd intent on spoiling the hosts’ party.Pena will be watching from the stands. Trump won’t. But both the countries know that after the start of the World Cup, the result on the field will matter most for them.