The United States men’s national team received a message of support from President Donald Trump on the eve of the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as head coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream listened, while the president offered encouragement ahead of the tournament on home soil.The United States opens its World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday night in Los Angeles, with expectations high being one of three co-host nations of the tournament along with Mexico and Canada.According to the USMNT’s official social media accounts, Trump called the team to wish him good luck ahead of Thursday’s Group D opener.The call was facilitated by Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, who addressed the players before handing the phone over to the President.“I’m standing in front of 26 champions and a great coach,” Giuliani told Trump. “They’re ready to go over the wall and run away.”
Trump supports Pochettino and the United States
Speaking directly to Pochettino, who was sitting with captain Tim Ream, Trump praised the Argentine coach and expressed confidence in the team’s prospects.“I just called to say you’re a wonderful person, a wonderful coach,” Trump said.He added, “I’ve heard all about your record and your success and I know what great players they are. I think you have a great opportunity to move forward. I just want to wish you all the best.”According to Fox Sports reporter Jenny Taft, Trump also delivered a message aimed at reducing pressure on the team before the tournament.The president told the players, “We’re all supporting you. The pressure is off. Have some fun.”Pochettino thanked Trump for the support and stressed that the team understood the responsibility of representing the host country at the tournament.Pochettino replied, “Thank you very much for your support, Mr. President.”Placing a hand on Reem’s shoulder, he said: “We are going to do everything to make you and all the people of this country proud.”
A new era under Pochettino
The World Cup is the biggest test yet for Pochettino since he was appointed head coach of the United States in August 2024.The former Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager was brought in to guide the Americans through the domestic World Cup cycle and help the team make a deep run on soccer’s biggest stage.
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino listens to a question during a press conference before their FIFA World Cup match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
The United States enters the tournament as hosts, drawn in Group D with Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey.Their opening match against Paraguay will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, one of the key venues in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Trump was absent from the inauguration ceremony but the administration was represented
Despite personally contacting the team, Trump was not expected to attend the opening match against Paraguay.Instead, several members of his administration were to appear in Los Angeles.The US State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Homeland Security Secretary Markway Mullin will attend the event.
The United States men’s national soccer team pose after announcing the team’s roster ahead of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament in New York, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
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.”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.
World Cup atmosphere is present in Los Angeles
The United States’ opening night was to be held with a major entertainment program before kick-off.The opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium was scheduled to start 90 minutes before the match and feature performances by pop star Katy Perry and rapper Future.As the hosts prepare to launch their campaign, the President’s call adds another layer to an occasion of already significant importance.However, the focus for Pochettino and his players is on what happens once the ball is rolling against Paraguay.After years of preparation and anticipation, the United States is finally ready to begin its home World Cup journey.