Here’s why Donald Trump hasn’t gone to any World Cup games and when he might show up for the first time
One of Donald Trump’s close political friends shared why the US President hasn’t been at any World Cup games so far.
The 2026 World Cup is already nearly two weeks in, and many teams have played two group matches. Some countries like Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, and Jordan are out, while co-hosts Mexico and the USA, along with Germany, France, Norway, and Argentina, have all moved on to the round of 32.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team has stood out in the tournament, winning 4-1 against Paraguay in their first game and then beating Australia 2-0.
Even though many celebrities and sports stars like Trinity Rodman, Ciara, Marshawn Lynch, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were seen at Seattle Stadium, President Trump hasn’t gone to any matches.
Before the tournament started, some of Trump’s decisions, such as travel bans and tensions with Iran, worried fans. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been seen with the 80-year-old Trump often, but they haven’t been photographed together at the games.
Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House’s World Cup taskforce, told The Telegraph that Trump enjoys the mystery around his absence. He said, “He likes a good cliffhanger, right?”
The newspaper said Trump probably won’t show up until the final in New York/New Jersey on July 19. But if the US makes it to the semi-final in Dallas on July 14, he might attend that game.
A source shared, “The President is busy with the July 4 celebrations. The World Cup isn’t really on his mind right now. He’ll present the trophy at the final but probably won’t appear before then. He might go to the semi-final, but only if the US gets that far.”
Of course, Trump has been handling bigger world issues, like trying to secure a ceasefire to end the conflict with Iran. He also traveled to France for the G7 summit and celebrated his 80th birthday. Still, he found time to host UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
Coming up next on his schedule is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
When asked more about when Trump might show up, Giuliani added, “He has some international trips planned and Independence Day too. I’ve known him 30 years, and he’s like family to me. He loves a good cliffhanger. He likes to keep people guessing. So, just stay tuned — I’m excited to see what happens next.”
Giuliani didn’t say if Infantino knows about Trump’s plans for the rest of the tournament yet.
He added, “President Infantino and President Trump have a good relationship. They spoke earlier today. For me, it’s helpful because the President has really focused on this tournament and understands how important the World Cup is.”