Trump Rallies USA Team Ahead of World Cup Opener, Misses Game

WHO:

The New York Times - President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico chose to give away her ticket to a young Indigenous woman, Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua, instead of attending her country's opening game.

The New York Times - Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin will attend the opening game.

Bloomberg - Gary Lineker commented on the "very odd" relationship between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Daily Mail Sports - President Donald Trump called the USA players.

Reddit Sports - Andrew Giuliani, CEO of the World Cup task force, confirmed President Trump's absence.

WHAT:

Daily Mail Sports - The USA will begin its campaign in this summer's home World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday night.

The New York Times - Andrew Giuliani stated, “He’s not going to end up attending the opening game,” regarding President Trump's absence.

The New York Times - Andrew Giuliani mentioned, “expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him,” regarding President Trump's potential future engagement in the World Cup.

The New York Times - President Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in December.

Daily Mail Sports - President Trump called the USA players and issued a rallying cry ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay.

The New York Times - Andrew Giuliani stated, “He’s not going to end up attending the opening game,” regarding President Trump's absence.

Bloomberg - Lineker described ticket prices for the World Cup as "astronomical."

Daily Mail Sports - The USA will begin its campaign in the World Cup against Paraguay.

Reddit Sports - President Trump will not attend the United States men’s national team’s opening game against Paraguay.

WHERE:

The New York Times - The opening game will take place at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Daily Mail Sports - The opening game will take place at SoFi Stadium.

WHEN:

NY Post - The championship match of the global soccer tournament is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

NY Post - The championship match of the global soccer tournament is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Daily Mail Sports - The opening game is scheduled for Friday night.

Reddit Sports - Andrew Giuliani mentioned that President Trump’s scheduling is tight.

WHY:

The New York Times - It is highly unusual for the head of state of a host nation to skip their team’s opening game at a men’s World Cup.

Daily Mail Sports - World Cup stadium workers are wearing "ICE Out" pins for the USA game amid fears over Trump sending federal agents to games.

The New York Times - It is highly unusual for the head of state of a host nation to skip their team’s opening game at a men’s World Cup.

Bloomberg - A FIFA spokesperson stated the organization is “focused on ensuring fair access” and reinvesting revenue across member associations.

Reddit Sports - Andrew Giuliani stated that President Trump will be engaged throughout the World Cup.

HOW:

The New York Times - Andrew Giuliani indicated that President Trump is known for being unpredictable, suggesting that he may engage more with the World Cup as the tournament progresses.

Sportskeeda - President Trump stated, “You’ve got a really good chance of going all the way” in his message to the USMNT ahead of the opening game.

The New York Times - Andrew Giuliani mentioned, “expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him,” regarding President Trump's potential future engagement in the World Cup.

Reddit Sports - Andrew Giuliani indicated that President Trump is known for being unpredictable, suggesting that he may engage more with the World Cup as the tournament progresses.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 17:19 UTC)

The USA will kick off its campaign in this summer's home World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday night. Andrew Giuliani has confirmed that President Trump will not attend the opening game, which is quite unusual for the head of state of a host nation. Giuliani also hinted that, given Trump's unpredictable nature, fans should "expect the unexpected" and that he may become more involved with the World Cup as the tournament unfolds.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 08:05 UTC)

In a notable gesture, President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico decided to give away her ticket to the opening game of the World Cup, allowing a young Indigenous woman named Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua to attend instead. Meanwhile, President Trump was honored with the FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in December, highlighting his involvement in the event. As excitement builds for the tournament, the championship match is set to take place on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where stadium workers are showing their support by wearing "ICE Out" pins during the USA game amid concerns over federal agents attending.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 04:18 UTC)

The championship match of the global soccer tournament is set to take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In a show of solidarity, World Cup stadium workers are wearing "ICE Out" pins during the USA game, reflecting concerns over Trump potentially sending federal agents to the matches. This move highlights the intersection of sports and social issues as the tournament unfolds.

(UPDATED June 13, 2026 01:43 UTC)

President Trump reached out to the USA players with an inspiring message as they prepare for their World Cup opener against Paraguay. He encouraged the US Men's National Team by saying, “You’ve got a really good chance of going all the way.” This rallying cry comes just in time to boost the team's morale ahead of the highly anticipated match.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 23:23 UTC)

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin are set to attend the opening game at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California. Meanwhile, Andrew Giuliani has confirmed that President Trump will not be attending the event, which is quite unusual for a head of state during a men's World Cup. Giuliani also hinted that fans should "expect the unexpected" when it comes to Trump's potential future involvement in the tournament.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 21:31 UTC)

Gary Lineker recently commented on the "very odd" relationship between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He also described ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup as "astronomical." In response, a FIFA spokesperson emphasized that the organization is focused on ensuring fair access and reinvesting revenue across its member associations.

(UPDATED June 12, 2026 19:43 UTC)

President Trump has reached out to the USA players ahead of their World Cup campaign, but he will not be attending the opening game against Paraguay, which is set to take place at SoFi Stadium on Friday night. Andrew Giuliani, the CEO of the World Cup task force, confirmed that Trump's schedule is tight, as he will be engaged throughout the tournament. Giuliani also noted that Trump is known for being unpredictable, hinting that he may become more involved with the World Cup as it unfolds.