US Secretary of State Rubio to Lead Delegation to Watch US vs. Paraguay World Cup Match on 12th

As the World Cup approaches, the US team will face Paraguay in its first group stage match on the 12th. The US State Department announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a Trump administration delegation to watch the game.

According to AFP, accompanying Secretary Rubio to the match will be Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said in a statement that as the US celebrates its 250th anniversary, the World Cup will be a historic moment for the Trump administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to the world.

He added that Rubio will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña on the sidelines of the match "to advance the US-Paraguay strategic partnership covering regional security, trade and investment, and emerging technologies."

This World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the opening match taking place tomorrow in Mexico City.

President Trump said today that he expects to attend World Cup matches in person but did not provide specific details.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he expects Trump to personally present the trophy to the winning team at the final in the New York City suburbs on July 19, just as he did at the FIFA Club World Cup last year.