Donald Trump Reportedly to Miss 2026 World Cup Opener in Inglewood
Published June 12, 2026

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly set to miss the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the USA will face Paraguay in Inglewood, California.
Published — local time around the world
The highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Inglewood, California, featuring the United States against Paraguay, will reportedly proceed without the presence of former President Donald Trump. According to Andrew Giuliani, who serves as the chief executive of the World Cup task force, Trump will not be attending the match.
The decision to forego the World Cup's curtain-raiser stems from a scheduling conflict. Reports indicate that the former president is slated to host a UFC event at the White House on the same Sunday the match takes place. This event also coincides with his 80th birthday celebrations.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks a historic event, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It will be the first tournament to feature an expanded format of 48 teams competing across 16 venues throughout North America. The competition is set to run from June to July 2026, promising an extended festival of football for fans worldwide.
While the specific details surrounding the former president's potential involvement in other World Cup events remain unclear, his reported absence from the opening game will undoubtedly be noted as the host nation kicks off its campaign on home soil.