Donald Trump reached out to USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino by phone ahead of the United States' opening match of FIFA World Cup 2026 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The call, which was recorded and shared on the USMNT's official X account, saw Trump offer warm words for the Argentine manager and his squad. "I just called to say you're a fantastic guy and a fantastic coach. I know all about your record and your success, and I know how great the players are," the 47th president said.

Trump closed with a bold declaration of confidence: "I think you have a really good chance of going all the way. So I just want to wish you a lot of luck."

Pochettino responded graciously: "Thank you so much for your support, Mr President, and we are going to do everything to make you proud and all the people here in this country."

Trump to miss the opener

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup Task Force, confirmed that Trump will not attend the Group D clash in person due to a scheduling conflict. SoFi Stadium — home of NFL franchises the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers — hosts the fixture.

In Trump's absence, Paraguay's president, Santiago Pena, has confirmed he will be in the stands to cheer on his nation's team.

The match-up

The opening fixture brings together Group D's highest and lowest ranked sides — USA sit 17th in the FIFA world rankings, while Paraguay are placed 41st. Despite that gap, Paraguay arrive in slightly better recent form, claiming three wins from their last five games against USA's two from five.

The two nations last met in a November 2025 friendly, a match the United States won 2-1 through goals from Folarin Balogun and Giovanni Reyna, with Alex Arce replying for Paraguay.

Opta Analyst puts USA's probability of victory at 40 percent, compared to 33 percent for Paraguay, with the remaining percentage accounting for a draw after 90 minutes.