US President Donald Trump will not attend the United States’ opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, ahead of the game at SoFi Stadium, according to multiple reports. Andrew Giuliani, described as chief executive of the World Cup task force, says Trump’s absence is tied to other scheduling commitments. Channel NewsAsia reports that while Trump will miss the match, officials state he will remain “engaged throughout this World Cup.”
Several outlets link the decision to Trump hosting or attending a UFC event around the same period. One report says the UFC event is planned in Washington, D.C., and that it coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday. Another outlet adds that a senior cabinet delegation will attend in his place.
Separately, Paraguay’s president Santiago Peña is confirmed by one outlet to attend the match in Los Angeles. Reports also say Trump communicates support to the US squad via a phone call. The upcoming opener is framed as a high-profile matchup between the hosts and the returning South American team.
