Trump to Skip US World Cup Opener, Giuliani Confirms

Andrew Giuliani, the World Cup task force CEO, says President Donald Trump will not attend the United States men’s national team’s opening World Cup match against Paraguay due to a tight schedule; instead, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin will attend. Giuliani expects Trump to become more engaged as the tournament unfolds, though hosting-nation leaders skipping the opener is unusual (Mexico’s president also didn’t attend her opener). The piece also notes Trump’s ongoing relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his history of attending major sports events.