Trump to Miss USMNT's World Cup Opener as Rubio Leads U.S. Delegation to Los Angeles
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Trump to Miss USMNT's World Cup Opener as Rubio Leads U.S. Delegation to Los Angeles
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Summary
Andrew Giuliani confirmed Thursday that Donald Trump will skip Friday’s U.S.-Paraguay World Cup opener at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, despite earlier expectations he might appear.
Giuliani said Trump’s schedule is too tight, though he expects the president to become more involved later in the tournament and left open the possibility of a surprise appearance.
Marco Rubio will attend instead, joined by Sean Duffy and Markwayne Mullin, according to a State Department release.
Trump’s absence is unusual for a host nation leader at a men’s World Cup opener; Qatar’s emir, Vladimir Putin and Dilma Rousseff all attended their countries’ first matches.
The decision stands out because Trump has cultivated close ties with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and has made a point of attending major sports events since returning to the White House.