President Donald Trump has called the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team ahead of its opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Trump will not be in attendance at SoFi Stadium later Friday, but he shared words of encouragement with the team over the phone.
The president told the players Thursday night, “We’re all rooting for you. The pressure is gone. Have some fun,” according to Fox Sports’ Jenny Taft.
The team later took to social media to share a clip of the call, in which Trump told coach Mauricio Pochettino that he was a “fantastic guy.”
“I’ve heard all about your record and your success and I know how great the players are,” Trump told Pochettino. “I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”
The coach thanked Trump for his support and said his team will do everything they can to make America proud.
Pochettino was appointed head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team in August 2024. He previously coached Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea in the English Premier League, and Paris Saint-Germain in the French Ligue 1.
Trump will miss out on Friday night’s match, which will begin at 6 p.m. PT.
The USA’s World Cup opening ceremony will start 90 minutes before kick-off and include performances from singer Katy Perry and rapper Future.
Trump will be attending a different sporting event right in his backyard over the weekend.
The White House is hosting a UFC fight on the South Lawn Sunday to celebrate 250 years of American independence — and Trump’s 80th birthday.
But some of Trump’s cabinet will be attending the World Cup opener.
The State Department announced earlier this week that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will travel to LA for the match.
The World Cup is “a landmark moment for the Trump Administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary,” the State Department said in a statement.
Trump plans to go to the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, a White House official told USA TODAY.
The USA is expected to advance from a group that includes tonight’s opponents, Paraguay, as well as Australia and Turkey.
Traders on the prediction market Polymarket have wagered about $10.4 million on the match. Hours before kick-off, the market priced in a 46 percent chance of a USA win, a 25 percent chance of a Paraguay win and a 30 percent chance of a draw.
This is a developing story…
