Rubio to lead US delegation to FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles this weekend

The State Department said Wednesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the United States' delegation to the FIFA World Cup in Los Angeles this weekend as the global tournament kicks off this week.

The first match is scheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m. Eastern in Mexico City, where Mexico will face off against South Africa. The U.S.'s first match will take place in California on Friday and be against Paraguay. 

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin will also be part of the delegation. They will be in Los Angeles on Friday and Saturday.

"The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is a landmark moment for the Trump Administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary," Pigott said in a statement.

The spokesman added that Rubio will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña during the match, where they will discuss advancing the U.S.-Paraguay strategic partnership.

The World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19. The U.S. is part of Group D in the group phase, alongside Australia, Paraguay and Turkey.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.