Donald Trump Rumored to Skip 2026 World Cup Opening Match: What to Know
Reports suggest former U.S. President Donald Trump may not attend the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, though no official confirmation has been provided, according to multiple media outlets. The match, scheduled for June 12, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will feature the U.S. national team against England, marking the first game of the co-hosted tournament.
Context of the Rumor
The speculation about Trump’s potential absence emerged from anonymous sources cited by several U.S. media outlets, including The New York Times and ESPN. These reports noted that Trump’s schedule for the event remains unconfirmed, with no public statements from his team or the White House. A spokesperson for the Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
Trump, who has frequently attended major sporting events, including NFL and NBA games, has previously expressed support for U.S. soccer. During his 2016 presidential campaign, he criticized the U.S. Soccer Federation’s leadership and advocated for a more “American” approach to the sport. However, his public engagement with the World Cup has been limited in recent years.
2026 World Cup Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding the tournament from the current 32. The opening match, set for 8:00 PM ET on June 12, will be broadcast globally, with an estimated audience of over 1 billion viewers. The U.S. team, ranked 13th in the world by FIFA, aims to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since 2014.
The tournament’s logistics have been managed by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), which has emphasized inclusivity and accessibility. MetLife Stadium, home to the New York Jets and Giants, will host six matches, including the final on July 13, 2026. The venue’s capacity of 82,500 seats is expected to sell out quickly, with ticket sales opening in November 2025.
U.S. Team Preparations
The U.S. squad, led by head coach Gregg Berhalter, has been preparing for the World Cup through a series of friendly matches and qualifiers. Key players such as Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Zack Steffen are in peak form, while the team has focused on tactical flexibility. Berhalter has emphasized a “high-pressing, counterattacking” style, aiming to replicate the success of the 2022 U.S. team that reached the Round of 16.
The U.S. group stage includes England, Iran, and Wales, with the team needing at least one win to secure progression. England, ranked third in the world, is a strong contender, though their recent performances in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 have been inconsistent.
Trump’s Past Involvement in Sports
Trump has a long history of engaging with sports, often leveraging his public appearances to bolster his political image. He has attended Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and MLB games, frequently using these events to promote his policies. However, his relationship with soccer has been more contentious. In 2017, he criticized the USSF for “underperforming” and called for a “total overhaul” of the sport’s governance.
Despite this, Trump has praised the U.S. team’s progress in recent years. In a 2023 interview, he stated, “They’re getting better, and I think they’re going to do well in the World Cup. It’s a big deal for the country.” However, his current focus appears to be on his 2024 presidential campaign, which may limit his availability for the tournament.
What’s Next for the U.S. Team?
The U.S. team will play a series of exhibition matches in May 2026, including a friendly against Germany on May 28 in Atlanta. These games will serve as a final test before the World Cup. The team’s performance in these matches could influence Berhalter’s final squad selections and tactical approaches.
FIFA has also announced changes to the tournament format,
