Why Trump Skipped the U.S. World Cup Opener

The 2026 World Cup opened with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, while the United States began its campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in the early hours of Saturday morning. Mexico and Canada are each set to host 13 matches this summer, and the U.S. will host most of the 104 total games, including the final.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña traveled to California for the U.S. match, but President Donald Trump did not attend. Instead, Secretary of State Marco Rubio represented the American official delegation, joined by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

The article says Trump’s absence was not due to the World Cup itself, but because he is focused on another sports event, UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for Sunday evening at the White House. A formal UFC octagon has been built on the South Lawn for the historic event, which is meant to mark 250 years of U.S. independence and Trump’s 80th birthday.

Trump has long been closely associated with UFC, having hosted events at his Atlantic City casino in the organization’s early years and attending several major fights in recent years. He also has a personal relationship with UFC president and CEO Dana White, who has spoken at Trump campaign rallies. The piece says Trump likely had official commitments in Washington and could not leave the capital to watch soccer.

Trump was not the only head of state to miss his team’s opener. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also skipped Mexico’s victory over South Africa, but for a different reason, she gave away her ticket to a fan as promised before the tournament. She said, "They are the pride of Mexico. They do not represent the president, or the prime minister, they represent Mexico."