According to a report from Givemesport, Donald Trump will not be in attendance for the United States’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite his significant involvement in the tournament’s build-up. The former president’s absence from Friday’s clash against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is due to his commitments hosting a major UFC event at the White House.
The USA’s first fixture in the expanded 48-team tournament will proceed without Trump, who is expected to remain in Washington, D.C. for UFC Freedom 250. This championship event, marking 250 years of American independence, is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, on the South Lawn of the White House. The date also coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday. According to The Athletic, run-throughs for the UFC showcase are set to begin on Friday, directly conflicting with the World Cup opener.
In Trump’s stead, the official U.S. delegation to the match will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, joined by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin. Paraguay president Santiago Pena is also expected to be present in California for the match.
A grand final role awaits
Despite missing the initial festivities, Trump is slated for a prominent role at the tournament’s climax. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has designated him to co-present the iconic World Cup trophy to the winning team’s captain on July 19. USA Today reported Infantino’s comments on the arrangement:
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“This trophy will be handed out on the 19th of July to the captain of the team who will win the World Cup. I will give it together with the President of the United States, the host country. Nobody can touch this trophy.”
Co-hosts kick off with varying attendance
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has seen each nation stage its own opening ceremony. Mexico kicked off the tournament on Thursday, June 11, at 18:30 CET, securing a 2-0 victory against South Africa. Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, also opted not to attend her nation’s opener, fulfilling a promise to give her ticket to a fan. Metro reported her comments from a news conference:
“They are the pride of Mexico. They will not represent the president, or the head of government, they will represent Mexico.”
Canada will host its opening ceremony on Friday, June 12, at 18:30 CET, featuring performances by Michael Buble and Alanis Morissette, before their match against Bosnia. The United States’ own opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at 00:30 CET.
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Trump’s long-standing association with the UFC, dating back to its early days at his Atlantic City casinos and his close friendship with UFC president Dana White, highlights his commitment to the combat sports event over the World Cup opener. His presence at the final, however, ensures a high-profile return to the global football stage.
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