President Donald Trump will not attend the United States' opening match against Paraguay in the FIFA World Cup 2026, scheduled for Friday in Inglewood, California, Andrew Giuliani, chief executive of the World Cup task force, confirmed. The match is part of the global football tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Giuliani revealed during a UK radio interview that Trump's absence is due to a scheduling conflict. Trump is expected to host a UFC event at the White House on Sunday, which also marks his 80th birthday. Giuliani emphasized that Trump's schedule is tight, making attendance at the opening game impossible.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a major international sporting event, drawing significant global attention. Trump's decision to skip the opener contrasts with previous high-profile political figures attending such events. The opening match is crucial for the U.S. team, setting the tone for their campaign in the tournament, which is being held on home soil for the first time since 1994.
The opening game between the United States and Paraguay will take place on Friday in Inglewood, California. This match marks the beginning of the month-long tournament, which will feature 48 teams competing across multiple venues in North America.