US President Donald Trump called the United States men's national soccer team on the evening of June 11, 2026, to encourage the players before their opening World Cup group stage match against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles [1, 2, 3]. This will be the first World Cup group stage match held on US soil in 32 years [1].
The call was arranged by Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup. Giuliani spoke first to the 26 players before handing the phone to head coach Mauricio Pochettino [1, 2, 3]. Giuliani described the team as “26 champions and a great coach… ready to go and run through a wall” [3].
During the call, Trump praised Pochettino as “a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach” and expressed confidence in the squad’s chances, saying, “I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way. We’re all rooting for you. The pressure is gone. Have some fun” [2]. Pochettino thanked Trump for his support, responding, “We’re going to do everything [to make] you proud and all the people here in this country” [3].
Pochettino has led the US Men's National Team since August 2024 and faces strong pressure as coach of the host nation’s squad [4, 5, 6, 2]. He emphasizes team culture, mindset, and "vibes" over tactics, telling reporters, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” [5], and that now is the moment for the team to prepare emotionally [6]. Under his leadership, the team has won six of its last 10 matches since September 2025, adopting a more attack-minded style [6].
President Trump, aged 79 at the time of the call, is expected to attend the World Cup final on July 20, 2026, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino [1].
The US faces Paraguay in their first 2026 World Cup match today, June 12, at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles [1, 6, 2, 3].
