U.S. kicks off 2026 World Cup with high-profile political backing in L.A.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Los Angeles saw a strong U.S. presence as the tournament began. Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, led the Trump administration’s delegation at the match between the United States and Paraguay. The event marked the start of the host nation’s campaign in Group D. Rubio attended the game on behalf of President Donald Trump. He was joined in the VIP box by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin. The delegation’s attendance underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting the tournament on American soil.

On the sidelines, Rubio met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. Their discussions covered regional security, trade, and investment opportunities between the two countries. The talks highlighted the broader diplomatic engagement tied to the sporting event.

The 2026 World Cup is the first to be jointly hosted by three nations: the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. The opening match set the stage for a month of competition across North America. The U.S. delegation’s visible support signalled the importance of the tournament to the Trump administration. Rubio’s meeting with Peña added a diplomatic dimension to the sporting occasion. The match also marked the beginning of the United States’ participation in the competition.