Politico reported on 10/6, citing two informed sources, that President Donald Trump will not attend the World Cup 2026 opening ceremony at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The event is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on june 12 (7:30 a.m. on june 13 hanoi time).

Following the ceremony, the U.S. national team will play its opening match against Paraguay. The absence of a host nation's leader at the World Cup's inaugural game is considered unusual. The Emir of Qatar, the President of Russia, and the President of Brazil all attended the opening matches in 2022, 2018, and 2014, respectively.

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment. President Santiago Pena of Paraguay announced on 10/6 that he would travel to California to attend the match.

President Donald Trump boards Air Force One at Morristown Airport, New Jersey, on 22/5. Photo: AP

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the official U.S. delegation to the match. He will be joined by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, the U.S. Department of State announced.

"On the sidelines of the match, Secretary Rubio will meet with President Pena to advance the U.S.-Paraguay strategic partnership in areas such as regional security, trade and investment, and emerging technologies," the department's statement read.

The U.S. government is managing a range of diplomatic and logistical challenges related to the World Cup, including visa issues affecting several participating teams and delegations.

Inside SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, U.S., on 8/6. Photo: AFP

The first World Cup 2026 opening ceremony will take place at 12:30 a.m. on june 12 hanoi time in Mexico City, preceding the opening Group A match between co-host Mexico and South Africa. The next ceremony will be held at BMO Field, Canada, at 1:30 a.m. on june 13 hanoi time, before Canada plays Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Los Angeles, California ceremony will be the last of the three.

For this World Cup, the U.S. will host 78 matches, including all games from the quarterfinals onward, while Canada and Mexico will each host 13 matches. The final is scheduled for july 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

According to the Opta supercomputer, Spain is the strongest contender, with a 16.1% chance of winning the championship. Following them are France (13%), England (11.2%), Argentina (10.4%), and Portugal (7%).

Duc Trung (According to Politico, AFP, Athletic)