US Hosts World Cup First Match Against Paraguay, Trump Calls to Support

2026 World Cup Key News

（Central News Washington 12th comprehensive foreign wire report）The US national soccer team said today that US President Trump called to support them before their first match against Paraguay. This is the first time since 1994 that the World Cup has been held in the US.

According to a report by Reuters and AFP, the US team shared a video on social media showing that Trump called the team to express his support yesterday evening.

The video shows that Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor Giuliani and the executive director of the White House World Cup working group, told Trump through a phone: "I have 26 champion players and 1 great coach in front of me." Then, he handed the phone to the US team's head coach, Mauricio Pochettino.

Trump said, "I just wanted to say that you (Pochettino) are an amazing person, a great coach. You care so much about your record and victory. I know how outstanding your players are. I think you have a great chance to go all the way."

"I just want to wish you good luck," Trump added.

"Thank you very much for your support, Mr. President," Pochettino responded.

Pochettino made it clear that his expectations are not just to advance from Group D, stating, "If we can't make it to the final, if we can't lift the trophy, what's the point of success?"

This year's US team is led by star player Christian Pulisic, with a lineup that includes talented new-generation players. Therefore, they need to prove to their fans at their home stadium that they indeed have top-tier strength.

The US team's opening match of this World Cup has attracted attention from political figures. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will personally attend the match, and Trump has also stated that he will attend other matches, but he has not revealed the specific schedule.

This year's World Cup Group D includes the US, Paraguay, Turkey, and Australia. (Edited by: Qu Xianping) 1150613

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