President Trump Calls U.S. Soccer Team As They Are Set To Play Their First Match In 2026 World Cup

The United States is set to play its first match in the 2026 World Cup.

The U.S. men’s soccer team is set to play Paraguay at 9 p.m. tonight.

On Thursday, President Trump called the men’s soccer team and gave them an encouraging message.

Trump told the team he believes they can win the entire tournament and complimented U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Fox News reported more on Trump’s call to the team:

President Donald Trump called the United States Men’s National team to send “a message of support” on Thursday as the team prepares to play their first World Cup match vs. Paraguay, according to the USMNT X account.

The Executive Director of the White House’s Task Force for the World Cup, Andrew Giuliani, took the call in front of the team telling the president, “I’m standing in front of 26 champions and a great coach… They’re ready to go and run through a wall.”

After Giuliani handed off the phone to the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT), Mauricio Pochettino, Trump told him, “I just called to say you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach.” As Pochettino sat next to USMNT captain Tim Ream, Trump continued, “I think you’ve got a real good chance of going all the way.”

To the kind words, Pochettino said, “Thank you so much for your support, Mr. President.” He added as he he put his hand on Ream’s shoulder, “We’re going to do everything [you proud] and all the people here in this country.”

Listen to Trump’s call here:

Currently, U.S. fans are hyped up outside of SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where the match will be played.

Take a look:

The @AmericanOutlaws have arrived at SoFi Stadium.

We are three hours from kickoff of the United States’ 🇺🇸 World Cup opener against Paraguay. 🇵🇾 @SportingTrib | #USMNT | #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/L40YzSIS0U

— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) June 12, 2026

🇺🇸 The U.S. men's team walked into SoFi Stadium for their 1st World Cup match on home soil in 32 years.

Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, all in Group D, and the crowd tonight will make sure the opponents know U.S. is all in.

The country hasn't had a moment like this since 1994.… https://t.co/egMQGzfHZo

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 13, 2026