Host nation leaders absent from World Cup opening matches
Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Jun 13, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-06-13-0530
Leaders of the three host nations for the current Fifa World Cup, including former US President Donald Trump, did not attend their respective countries' opening matches, a notable absence for the tournament.
Leaders of the three host nations for the current Fifa World Cup did not attend their respective countries' opening matches. Former US President Donald Trump became the first American president to miss a United States opening game. Similarly, President Claudia Sheinbaum was absent from Mexico's inaugural match at Azteca Stadium, and Prime Minister Mark Carney did not attend Canada's opener in Toronto. The BBC highlighted the significance of Trump's decision regarding the US team's first game.
Sources: BBC News — World