June 12, 2026

President Donald Trump called the US World Cup squad ahead of their debut match against Paraguay, the team said Friday.

In a video shared on social media, the US Soccer Men’s National Team said the 79-year-old leader called Thursday night with a message of support.

Andrew Giuliani, the head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, can be seen speaking with Trump on speakerphone, telling the president: “I’m standing in front of 26 champions and a great coach,” before handing the phone to US head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

“I just called to say you’re a fantastic guy, a fantastic coach, and you’re all about your record and your success, and I know how great the players are. I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way,” Trump said.