Trump Calls Pochettino Before Paraguay Match, Backing U.S. to Go All the Way
The United States opens its World Cup campaign overnight, at 4:00 a.m. Friday-Saturday, against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium, with more than 70,000 fans expected to support one of the three host teams. Just before kickoff, the Americans received an unusual morale boost from President Donald Trump.
Trump joined a call with all 26 players on the U.S. squad and coach Mauricio Pochettino. He told Pochettino, “I called to say that you are a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, I know your history and your success, and I know how great the players are. I think you have a very good chance to go all the way. I wanted to wish you a lot of success.”
Paraguay, meanwhile, knows the spotlight will mostly be on the host nation, but it is aiming for a strong result and even a win. Miguel Almiron is set to start on the wing, and attacking midfielder Julio Enciso could also feature.
Enciso, Strasbourg’s standout playmaker, had been a major doubt after getting injured shortly before the World Cup. But he completed a full training session and is now expected to play, a significant boost for Paraguay ahead of its opener in the 2026 World Cup.
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