Key facts
- Donald Trump will not attend the U.S. opening match of the World Cup.
- The administration is navigating diplomatic and logistical challenges for the tournament.
- MAGA politics are significantly impacting FIFA in 2026.
- Past World Cup hosts have also sought political gains from the tournament.
President Donald Trump will not attend the U.S. opening match of the World Cup. The decision comes as the administration navigates a series of diplomatic and logistical challenges tied to the tournament, including visa issues affecting some participating countries and delegations. Trump has repeatedly touted the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics as opportunities to showcase American strength. The politics of MAGA are significantly impacting FIFA in 2026, and Trump is being compared to past World Cup hosts who have sought political gains from the tournament.