Why Donald Trump won't attend USA's FIFA World Cup opener vs Paraguay

US President Donald Trump will not attend the United States' FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay, despite the country co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada.

In Short

• Donald Trump will not attend the United States' FIFA World Cup opener against Paraguay
• The United States is co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada
• The World Cup began in Mexico, with the hosts facing South Africa in the opening match

The FIFA World Cup, the world's biggest sporting event, got underway in Mexico on Thursday with the hosts taking on South Africa, while attention now turns to the United States' opening match against Paraguay. However, US President Donald Trump will not be in attendance despite the country co-hosting the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada.

Trump is known to be a keen sports fan and has attended several major events during his presidency. Most recently, he was present for Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Despite his well-documented interest in sports, Trump will miss the United States' opening World Cup fixture. The development was confirmed by Andrew Giuliani, chief executive of the World Cup task force, who cited the President's packed schedule.

"He's not going to end up attending the opening game," Giuliani told TalkSport. "As we've said, his scheduling is tight. But I know he's going to be engaged throughout this World Cup."

Trump is expected to return to Washington, D.C., later in the weekend to host UFC Freedom 250 at the White House on Sunday. The event coincides with both Flag Day and the President's 80th birthday.

A longtime supporter of the UFC, Trump has previously described the promotion as "the greatest show on Earth" and compared its signature "Claw" structure, which will overlook the White House South Lawn, to Paris' iconic Eiffel Tower.

While Trump will miss the opening fixture, Giuliani stressed that the President would remain involved with the tournament as it progresses across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

On the pitch, the United States begin their World Cup campaign against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on Friday, with Mauricio Pochettino's side carrying the expectations that come with being one of the host nations.

Despite being favourites, Pochettino has warned against underestimating Paraguay, describing Gustavo Alfaro's side as one of the toughest teams in South American football. Paraguay arrive in strong form after a qualifying campaign that included notable victories over Argentina and Brazil.

The United States, meanwhile, will draw confidence from recent performances, including a 3-2 victory over Senegal in a pre-tournament friendly, with Pochettino insisting his squad is physically, tactically and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.

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