Donald Trump is widely expected to be absent from the Los Angeles Stadium when the USA kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign against Paraguay on Friday evening. Despite state figureheads typically attending their nation's opening fixtures – as seen with Qatar's Emir in 2022 and Russia's President in 2018 – reports suggest the US President will not be present, barring an unexpected change of plans. Instead, Secretary of State Mark Rubio is anticipated to lead a delegation from Washington, including Transport Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.
In a contrasting engagement, President Trump is scheduled to host a UFC event, dubbed 'UFC Freedom', at the White House on Saturday evening. This event is reportedly being held to commemorate his 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Trump has a history of attending significant sporting occasions during his two terms, including the Ryder Cup in New York last year and the Club World Cup final in New Jersey, where he notably joined Chelsea's trophy celebrations.
However, the President's public appearances at sporting events have not always been met with universal approval. He was reportedly booed loudly at the NBA Finals last week after being shown on large screens, while Vice-President JD Vance faced similar reactions at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan earlier this year. Such incidents highlight the often-polarised public sentiment surrounding his presence at these high-profile gatherings.
The run-up to the World Cup itself has been overshadowed by several controversies, which could impact international visitors, including British nationals. Concerns have been raised regarding the high cost of tickets, potentially making attendance prohibitive for many. More significantly for international travellers, America's stringent border controls are a major point of contention. Fans from over half of the qualified nations require visas to enter the United States, adding considerable expense and uncertainty for those already concerned about strict enforcement measures at the border.
Further complicating matters, reports have emerged of a Somali referee being denied entry to the US over alleged connections to "suspected members of terror organisations." This incident underscores the strict immigration policies in place, which could pose challenges for anyone travelling to the tournament, including British citizens who may face heightened scrutiny or unexpected delays despite typically enjoying visa-free travel for tourism under the ESTA programme. The Foreign Office regularly updates its travel advice for the USA, urging British nationals to ensure all documentation is in order well in advance of travel.