Donald Trump will not be present for the U.S. men's national soccer team's debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Instead, he has tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio with leading the official government delegation at the opening match against Paraguay, as announced by the State Department.
The game is scheduled for June 12 at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles, part of the tournament's Group D.
Rubio will remain in Los Angeles on June 12 and 13, heading the government delegation, joined by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Senator Markwayne Mullin.
The choice of the Secretary of State is significant; Rubio, born in Miami in 1971 to Cuban immigrant parents, represents a powerful symbol for a tournament held on American soil. The Trump administration has often linked the event to its political legacy.
Earlier this year, Trump stated that during his first term, he "fought to bring the FIFA World Cup 2026" to the United States.
Following their match against Paraguay, the U.S. team will face Australia on June 19 and conclude the group stage against Turkey on June 25, all within Group D of the World Cup 2026.
Diplomatic Opportunities on the Field
Rubio's mission extends beyond sports. He will use his time in Los Angeles to hold a bilateral meeting with Paraguay's President, Santiago Peña, who is visiting the U.S. from June 11 to 15 to attend his team's debut in the tournament.
According to the State Department, Rubio and Peña will discuss "regional security, trade, investment, and collaboration in emerging technologies." The two officials have met several times since the Paraguayan government took office in 2023, with their last meeting in February in Washington D.C. during an international security cooperation conference.
World Cup Commences Without Trump in Attendance
The World Cup kicks off this Thursday with a match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium. This marks the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries—United States, Canada, and Mexico—and the first with 48 teams.
Just days before the tournament's start, on June 9, Trump faced boos at Madison Square Garden in New York during an NBA Finals game, marking his first attendance at the event while serving as president. Despite the negative reception, Trump described the experience as "incredible."
Key Insights into Marco Rubio's Role at the World Cup
Why is Marco Rubio leading the U.S. delegation at the World Cup?
Marco Rubio was chosen to lead the U.S. delegation due to his symbolic significance as a Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, representing diversity and American values on the global stage.
What topics will Rubio discuss with Paraguay's President Santiago Peña?
Rubio and President Peña will discuss regional security, trade, investments, and cooperation in emerging technologies during their meeting.