Before the first game at the 2026 World Cup
Trump calls the US team
June 12, 2026 – 10:51 p.mReading time: 1 min.
Shortly before the USA’s first World Cup game, Donald Trump personally contacted the team. What he said to coach Pochettino.
Shortly before the USA’s start to the World Cup, President Donald Trump contacted the national team by telephone on Thursday evening and personally encouraged head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
In a video published on social media, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, can be seen opening the conversation. “I stand here in front of 26 champions and a great coach,” Giuliani told Trump before handing the phone to Pochettino.
Trump then addressed the Argentine coach directly: “I just wanted to call to tell you that you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, and you stand for your record and your success, and I know how great the players are. I think you have a really good chance of making it to the top.” The president concluded by saying, “I just want to wish you the best of luck.” Pochettino replied briefly: “Thank you for your support, Mr. President.”
The USA will play their first World Cup group game on Friday evening local time in Los Angeles. The second preliminary round game against Paraguay follows on Saturday from 3 a.m. CEST – live on MagentaTV.