Trump Skips U.S. World Cup Opener as White House UFC Event Takes Priority

Donald Trump did not attend the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium early Saturday morning, despite Paraguay’s president, Santiago Peña, making the trip to California for the match. Instead, the official U.S. delegation was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security official Marcwayne Mullin also present.

The article says Trump’s absence was tied to another sporting event he is focused on, UFC Freedom 250, which is scheduled for Sunday evening at the White House. A formal UFC octagon has been built on the South Lawn for the historic event, meant to mark 250 years of U.S. independence and Trump’s 80th birthday.

Trump has long been associated with the UFC, having hosted early MMA events at his Atlantic City casino and later attended some of the organization’s biggest cards. He also has a close personal relationship with UFC president and CEO Dana White, who has spoken at Trump campaign rallies.

Because of obligations linked to the White House event, Trump could not leave Washington to watch soccer, even as much of the United States focused on the World Cup, which began this week. He was not the only leader to miss his country’s opener, as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also stayed away from Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa in Mexico City, giving away her ticket to a fan after previously promising to do so. She later said, “They are the pride of Mexico. They do not represent the president, or the prime minister, they represent Mexico.”