As the FIFA World Cup returns to the United States, President Donald Trump took a moment to wish the national football team well before the start of its campaign.
The United States begins its World Cup journey with a Group D clash against Paraguay on Saturday. Ahead of the match, Trump spoke with US men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino and offered words of encouragement.
Call shared by US team
The official X account of the US football team shared a video showing Pochettino receiving a phone call from the president.
The post read, "Last night, we received a message of support from POTUS ahead of our World Cup journey."
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During the conversation, Trump praised the Argentine coach and expressed confidence in the team's prospects.
"I just called to say you are a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach. I know all about your record and your success. I think you have got a really good chance of going all the way. I just want to wish you a lot of luck," Trump said.
Pochettino thanked the president and assured him that the team would do its best to represent the country proudly during the tournament.
Last night, we received a message of support from POTUS ahead of our World Cup journey. pic.twitter.com/MVPITGldtS
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) June 12, 2026
Challenging group stage ahead
The United States has been drawn in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye. The team opens its campaign against Paraguay before taking on Australia in Seattle on June 19. Their final group-stage fixture will be against Turkiye in Inglewood on June 25.
The tournament marks the return of the FIFA World Cup to American soil, with the United States serving as one of the co-hosts.
Squad features experienced stars
The US squad combines experienced international players with emerging talent from clubs across Europe and Major League Soccer.
Among the notable names are goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson, midfielders Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, and forwards Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Tim Weah.
Pulisic, currently playing for AC Milan, is expected to be one of the team's key attacking figures as the United States looks to make a strong start to its World Cup campaign.
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With the opening match now approaching, the team heads into the tournament carrying both home support and a message of encouragement from the White House.
FAQs:
What did Donald Trump tell the US football team?
Trump praised coach Mauricio Pochettino and said he believed the team had a good chance of "going all the way" in the tournament.
Who are the USA's opponents in Group D?
The United States is grouped with Paraguay, Australia and Turkiye in the FIFA World Cup.
