The United States president, a man who once called the World Cup "the most successful they've ever had", has not attended a single match of the tournament co-hosted by his country. Donald Trump's absence from the 2026 World Cup stands in stark contrast to his predecessor Bill Clinton, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the 1994 tournament in the US. While the president has prioritised other events, teams are battling for knockout places and England remain in control of their destiny ahead of the last 32.
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, expanded from 32, and is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The group stage sees 48 nations divided into 16 groups of three, with the top two from each group advancing to a 32-team knockout phase. The United States, as co-hosts, won two of their three group games and qualified for the knockout stages, yet President Trump has not attended a match. He did, however, play a central role at the draw in Washington DC in December, where he was awarded FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize by president Gianni Infantino. Trump and Infantino have forged a close relationship, meeting at the Oval Office and Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence. Trump has been a regular presence at other major US sports events this year, from the Super Bowl to the Ryder Cup, but skipped the US opening match against Paraguay on 12 June in Los Angeles, prioritising a UFC event on the White House lawn.
“A guide to the 2026 World Cup, covering Trump's absence, France's caretaker manager, and England's knockout path.”
For UK readers, the tournament offers plenty to follow. England are in a strong position to reach the last 32, with their final group game determining their path. France face Norway in a key Group I clash at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Friday 26 June, with kick-off at 8pm UK time. The match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and STV, and streamed on ITVX and STV Player. France will be without head coach Didier Deschamps, who has returned home after the death of his mother. Long-time assistant Guy Stephan will take charge as caretaker manager. Stephan previously worked with Deschamps at Marseille before joining the French national team setup in 2012.
The tournament's expansion to 48 teams means more nations than ever are involved, but also creates a more complex knockout structure. The last 32 will be a new round in World Cup history, with England aiming to navigate it successfully.
Q: Why hasn't Donald Trump attended any World Cup 2026 matches? President Trump has prioritised other engagements, including a UFC event on the White House lawn celebrating his 80th birthday and America's 250th. Despite being a visible presence at other major sports events, he has stayed away from World Cup matches, even as co-hosts the US progressed to the knockout stages.
Q: Who is managing France in the World Cup after Didier Deschamps left? Guy Stephan, Deschamps' long-time assistant, has stepped in as caretaker manager for France's final group game against Norway. Deschamps returned to France following the death of his mother. Stephan has been with the national team since 2012 and previously worked with Deschamps at Marseille.
Q: Who will England play in the World Cup last 32? England's opponent in the last 32 will depend on their final group stage result and other group outcomes. The Three Lions remain in control of their own destiny, meaning they can secure a favourable draw by winning their remaining group game.
What happens next: The group stage concludes with France vs Norway on 26 June, and England's final group match will determine their last-32 opponent. The knockout phase then begins, with the final scheduled for mid-July. President Trump's attendance at any future matches remains unconfirmed.