Why Donald Trump Won’t Attend USA vs Paraguay FIFA World Cup Opening Match
The World Cup, the world’s biggest sporting event, kicked off in Mexico on Thursday as the hosts took on South Africa, while attention now turns to the United States’ opening match against Paraguay. However, US President Donald Trump will not attend, despite the country co-hosting the tournament along with Mexico and Canada.
Trump is known to be an avid sports fan and has attended several major events during his presidency. He was most recently present for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Despite his well-documented interest in the sport, Trump will be absent from the opening game of the World Cup in the United States. The development was confirmed by Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the World Cup Task Force, who outlined the president’s busy schedule.
“He won’t be attending the opening game after all,” Giuliani told TalkSport. “As we said, his schedule is tight. But I know he will be involved during this World Cup.”
Trump is expected to return to Washington, DC later in the weekend to host UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday. The event coincides with Flag Day and the president’s 80th birthday.
Trump, who is a longtime supporter of the UFC, has previously described the promotion as “the greatest show on Earth” and compared its signature “Claw” structure, which will overlook the South Lawn of the White House, to Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower.
While Trump will miss the opening game, Giuliani emphasized that the president will remain involved in the tournament as it progresses through the United States, Mexico and Canada.
On the field, the United States open their World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday at Los Angeles Stadium, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side carrying the expectations that come with being one of the host nations.
Although popular, Pochettino warned against underestimating Paraguay and described Gustavo Alfaro’s side as one of the toughest teams in South American football. Paraguay come in strong form after a qualifying campaign that included notable wins over Argentina and Brazil.
U.S.A.meanwhile, he will draw confidence from recent performances, including a 3-2 win over Senegal in a pre-tournament warm-up, with Pochettino insisting his side are physically, tactically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
12 Jun 2026 20:58 IST