President Donald Trump will not attend Friday’s FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Paraguay in Los Angeles, Politico first reported Wednesday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the official U.S. delegation, the State Department announced.

The decision means Trump will miss the first World Cup match hosted on U.S. soil as the United States begins its role as a co-host of the tournament.

Paraguayan President Santiago Pena is expected to attend, with his office announcing a four-day visit to California beginning Thursday.

Trump has frequently highlighted the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as major international events taking place during his presidency, portraying them as opportunities to showcase U.S. influence and economic strength.

His absence comes as foreign leaders begin arriving for tournament-related events.

The administration is also confronting several challenges tied to hosting the expanded 48-team World Cup.

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