According to consistent media reports, US President Donald Trump is not planning a personal visit to the USA’s opening World Cup game against Paraguay.
This was reported, among others, by the news portal “Politico” and the sports magazine “The Athletic”, citing people familiar with the matter. The White House and the State Department have not yet officially commented. The opening game against the South Americans takes place on Saturday (3 a.m. CEST) in Los Angeles.
Secretary Rubio leads delegation
A spokesman for the US State Department had previously announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would travel south of Los Angeles to the game. He should lead a delegation that also included Transport Minister Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Minister Markwayne Mullin. On the sidelines of the World Cup game, Rubio wanted to talk to the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, about topics such as “regional security, trade, investment and new technologies” speak.
The USA, together with Mexico and Canada, are co-hosts of the largest World Cup in history. For the first time, 48 teams are taking part, with a total of 104 games up to the final. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will also miss her team’s first World Cup game. She gave away her ticket to a 21-year-old Mexican woman who won a talent competition.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney will support the Canadian team against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the stadium.
After the opening game against Paraguay, the Americans, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, will play in the group phase against Australia (June 19th / 9 p.m. CEST in the Sportschau live stream) and Turkey (June 26th / 4 a.m. CEST). The entire tournament will open in Mexico City with the encounter between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday evening (9 p.m. CEST in the audio live stream).