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.Paraguayan president Santiago Peña has confirmed he will travel to California for Friday’s Group D clash at SoFi Stadium, while United States president Donald Trump will remain in Washington despite the match marking his country’s opening fixture at a World Cup being played largely on home soil.The contrast has become one of the talking points ahead of the match, particularly given the significance of the occasion. The United States are one of the tournament’s three co-hosts alongside Mexico and Canada and are opening their campaign under Mauricio Pochettino against a Paraguay side 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 would travel to Los Angeles from June 11 to June 15 as part of an official visit that coincides with La Albirroja’s World Cup debut.The Paraguayan government formally informed Congress that Peña would be out of the country during that period while carrying out an official agenda in Los Angeles.The visit centres around Paraguay’s opening match against the United States on June 12, although the president is also scheduled to continue with other official activities after the game.His presence means Paraguay’s national team will have direct support from the country’s highest political office as they begin their World Cup campaign.
Why Trump is missing the opener
Trump, meanwhile, will not attend the match despite frequently promoting the World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games as major international events taking place during his presidency.According to Andrew Giuliani, chief executive of the White House World Cup Task Force, the president’s schedule prevented him from travelling to Los Angeles.“He’s not going to end up attending the opening game,” Giuliani told TalkSport.“As we’ve said, his scheduling is tight. But I know he’s going to be engaged throughout this World Cup.”Giuliani added: “Having known President Trump for now 30 years, what I can tell you is: expect the unexpected. Always expect a cliffhanger with him. Throughout the course of this tournament, it wouldn’t surprise me if we see him engage more and more with the World Cup.”Trump is expected to remain in Washington ahead of hosting UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday, which coincides with his 80th birthday celebrations.
Trump still sent a message to the USMNT
Although he will not be inside SoFi Stadium, Trump has already made contact with the United States squad.On Thursday, he called the team to offer support ahead of the tournament opener.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 through a wall.”Trump then spoke directly to head coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream.“I just called to say you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic 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’ve got a really good chance of going all the way. 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 is gone. Have some fun.”Pochettino thanked the president for his support.“Thank you so much for your support, Mr. President,” he replied.“We’re going to do everything and all the people here in this country proud.”
Who will represent the 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 American delegation.In a statement, the department described the World Cup as “a landmark moment for the Trump Administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.”
An unusual absence for a host nation’s leader
Historically, host nations’ leaders 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 opener 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 an opening fixture at this tournament.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum holds up the team name of Mexico as President Donald Trump, left, looks on during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum was absent from Mexico’s opening 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca. Instead, she gave her VIP ticket to Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua, a young Indigenous woman who won a national competition, and later watched the match from a fan zone in Mexico City.
Eyes on Los Angeles
With or without presidential attendance, the focus will soon shift to the pitch, the United States reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and begin this tournament hoping to make a deeper run under Pochettino.Paraguay, meanwhile, arrive determined to spoil the hosts’ party in front of a packed Los Angeles crowd.Peña will be watching from the stands. Trump will not. But both countries know the result on the field is what will matter most once the World Cup finally begins for them.