President offers support as Team USA prepares for its first match in 32 years on home soil
Category: Sports
United States President Donald Trump, aged 79, reached out to the U.S. Soccer Men's National Team on Thursday night, June 11, 2026, to offer his encouragement ahead of their opening match in the 2026 World Cup. The call, which lasted around two minutes, was shared on social media by U.S. Soccer, receiving over 1,182 views and generating excitement among players and fans alike.
Trump's call came just before Team USA was set to face Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday night, June 12, 2026. This match marks the first World Cup game held on U.S. soil since 1994, and the first-ever home game for Team Canada in the tournament's history. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, was present during the call and handed the phone to head coach Mauricio Pochettino after introducing Trump.
In a video clip shared by U.S. Soccer, Trump said, "I just called 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 expressed gratitude in response, saying, "Thank you so much for your support, Mr. President. We are going to do everything to make you proud and all the people here in this country." The team comprises 26 players, including star forwards Christian Pulisic and Ricardo Pepi, and midfielder Weston McKennie.
The anticipation surrounding the tournament is immense, as it is the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and taking place across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has dubbed this World Cup as "simply the greatest event that humanity — that mankind — has ever seen and will ever see." The tournament is expected to attract a global audience, with FIFA estimating that six billion people will engage with the event in some way.
Trump's involvement in the World Cup festivities is particularly notable as he has not attended the opening match, a departure from the norm for heads of state hosting such events. Instead, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin will represent the administration at the game. Historically, leaders such as the Emir of Qatar and President Vladimir Putin of Russia have attended their respective country's opening matches.
This World Cup is not without controversy. Off the pitch, issues have arisen, including visa denials for a top African referee and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the U.S. and Iran, one of the competing nations. Infantino has previously faced criticism for his close relationship with Trump, especially in light of these complications. The tournament's expansion from 32 to 48 teams has also raised questions about ticket pricing, with some fans feeling priced out of attending the games.
As excitement builds, Team USA's head coach Pochettino emphasized the importance of having all players ready to contribute, stating, "You can only give 11 players the chance of starting, but there are many players that don't begin on the starting lineup, but they end up being key figures in the tournament." He aims to instill confidence in his players, encouraging them to approach each game with the mindset of a World Cup match.
Team USA's match against Paraguay is set for 9 p.m. ET on June 12, 2026, and the outcome will be closely watched, as the United States has won five of the last nine encounters against Paraguay, including a recent victory in November 2025. This opening match is a historic moment for the team, as they aim to advance past the group stage for the first time since 1930.
Meanwhile, Team Canada will also be making history as they play their first-ever World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto earlier that day. Head coach Jesse Marsch has expressed optimism about his team's chances, emphasizing the growth and development of his players since he took over in 2024. He stated, "I expect our team to go for it. I expect the crowd to love the way they play. I expect us to be aggressive. I expect us to get early goals. I expect us to get leads, and I expect us to get wins."
As the tournament progresses, both teams will look to navigate the challenges of competing at the highest level of international football. The stakes are high, with the potential for both teams to make a deep run in the tournament, fueled by the support of their fans and the encouragement from political leaders.
As the World Cup continues, the eyes of the world will be on the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with hopes running high for memorable matches and potential upsets. The final trophy presentation is scheduled for July 19, 2026, where FIFA President Infantino has hinted that Trump may present the trophy to the winning team, adding another layer of intrigue to this already historic event.