- The USA is scheduled to commence their World Cup 2026 campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday evening, with an opening ceremony planned for the co-host nation.
- Donald Trump is not expected to be present at the USA's inaugural World Cup match, despite the tradition of state figureheads attending their country's opening game.
- Instead of the World Cup, Trump is slated to host a UFC event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom', at the White House on Saturday evening, commemorating his 80th birthday and the USA's 250th anniversary.
- Senior government officials, including Secretary of State Mark Rubio, Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, are anticipated to represent the US at the World Cup opener.
- The Trump officials could get a frosty welcome after backlash over visa issues. The U.S. refused entry to a World Cup referee from Somali and Iran's football federation said their fan ticket allocation for the World Cup had been revoked.
IN FULL
