President Donald Trump called the U.S. men’s national soccer team on June 12, 2026, to wish them luck before their World Cup opener [1].
The gesture signals presidential backing for the national team as they begin their campaign in a high-stakes tournament hosted on home soil. This support aims to boost player morale before the team faces Paraguay in their first group-stage match.
During the call, Trump said to the players, "Good luck, guys" [2]. He also expressed confidence in the team's potential for a deep run in the tournament, saying, "You can go all the way" [3].
The match is scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California [4]. The venue serves as the backdrop for the U.S. team's introduction to the 2026 tournament cycle [4].
Reports regarding the president's physical presence at the game remain inconsistent. Some sources said that Trump was expected to be in the stands to support the team [5]. However, other reports suggested he may not be present to see the match in person [6].
The call occurred the night before the opening match on June 12, 2026 [1]. The outreach follows a tradition of state figureheads offering encouragement to their national squads during the World Cup, regardless of whether they attend the event in person [5].
“"You can go all the way."”
The president's engagement with the USMNT reflects the significant cultural and political visibility of the 2026 World Cup. By offering direct encouragement, the administration leverages the national team's platform to project an image of national unity and sporting ambition during a major international event hosted within the U.S.
