Donald Trump will not attend the United States’ World Cup opener against Paraguay on Friday, despite the match being one of the biggest football nights on American soil for decades.
The USMNT begin their Group D campaign at Los Angeles Stadium, where they have been drawn alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. In Trump’s place, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation, while Paraguayan president Santiago Peña is also expected to attend.
Trump’s absence does not mean he was removed from the build-up. Before Mauricio Pochettino’s side began their tournament, the US president spoke to the head coach and sent a direct message to the players via a phone call.
Donald Trump’s message to USMNT before Paraguay match
The call was intermediated by Andrew Giuliani, who has been involved in the administration’s World Cup outreach and is the son of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.
USMNT captain Tim Ream was alongside Pochettino for the conversation, giving the moment added leadership presence before the Paraguay match.
Trump told the Argentine coach: “Well, I just got to say you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, and you’re 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.”
Pochettino responded by thanking the president and making a promise on behalf of the squad.
“Thank you so much for your support, Mr. President. We are going to do everything to make you and all the people here in this country proud,” he stated.
Trump may not be at the stadium, but his message still reached the USMNT before their first step and he is likely to attend matches should the national team advance in the tournament.
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