World Cup LIVE: Donald Trump makes USA vs Paraguay decision as England release stars
Donald Trump won't be in attendance to watch the USA take on Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium to watch Mauricio Pochettino's side kick-start their World Cup campaign. The SoFi Stadium was half empty as a third opening ceremony of the tournament got underway.
It's the latest in a string of matches with empty seats visible around the ground. Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina played out a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group B match on Friday in front of thousands of empty seats. Jovo Lukic opened the scoring for Bosnia before Cyle Larin's second-half equaliser earned the co-hosts their first-ever point at a World Cup finals.
Large patches of empty seats could be also seen at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, where South Korea played Czechia in what will have been a humiliating sight for FIFA, which has been under fire for a contentious approach to its ticketing prices.
The organisation adopted variable pricing for the first time in World Cup history, which has made the event too expensive for legions of fans as game prices were driven up by an average of 34 percent in October last year. The move meant that the cheapest standard finals tickets were $5,785 (£4,315), with some tickets hitting resale pages for close to $33,000 (£24,621).
Earlier this month, prices were reduced in an under-the-radar move across all 104 scheduled matches, and 70 percent of bulk-reserved hotel rooms were released.
However, as of the eve of the tournament, around 180,000 tickets were still listed across official FIFA resale platforms. On top of that, a staggering 15,000 group-stage tickets were available directly through its site.
The stands appear noticeably fuller as Katie Perry takes to the stage, despite concerns over supporters boycotting the tournament.
Now the question is whether the match itself can live up to the pre-game hype.
Kick-off between the United States and Paraguay is now just moments away.
Starting XI: Gill; Caceres, G.Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; D.Gomez, Cubas, Bobadilla, Almiron; Enciso, Sanabria.
Subs: Oliveira, Fernandez, Maidana, Balbuena, Velazquez, Canale, Romero, Ojeda, Galarza, Mauricio, Arce, Avalos, Caballero, Pitta, Sosa.
US President Donald Trump won't be present at the SoFi Stadium for the USA's game against Paraguay ahead of his 80th birthday celebrations this weekend.
Trump was booed during the recent NBA finals game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
Instead, he'll be hosting the UFC event, 'UFC Freedom', at the White House on Saturday, which coincides with his birthday and the USA’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Donald Trump made the decision not to attend USA vs Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium.(Image: (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images))
Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed his starting XI for the match vs Paraguay:
Starting XI: Freeze; Freeman, Richards, Ream; Dest McKennie, Adams, Robinson; Tillman, Pulisic; Balogum
Former England striker Peter Crouch is in attendance at The Los Angeles Stadium for USA's opening game of the World Cup vs Paraguay.
Crouch is working as a pundit for US broadcaster Fox Sports for the tournament.
It's now just a couple of hours until the third hosts of the tournament get underway as USA take on Paraguay. The match kicks off at 2am UK time.
The match could be a feisty one, if the last meeting between the two sides are anything to go on. That came in November last year in Philadelphia.
USA won 2-1, but the match was memorable due to a mass brawl which happened in the 91st minute. It involved punches being thrown and even one player allegedly grabbing another by the neck.
That game was meant to be a friendly, which resulted in FIFA not pursuing any sanctions for the nations.
Argentina may have been handed a new injury worry over goalkeeper Emi Martinez.
The Aston Villa man stole the headlines in the last World Cup for his antics both on and off the pitch as the nation lifted the trophy.
Martinez has been an injury doubt for Argentina ahead of their opener against Algeria in the early hours of Wednesday.
He had returned to training after a broken finger, but journalist Henry Winter has shared footage of him leaving the latest session early.
The DR Congo squad have started their first training session since arriving in Houston for the World Cup.
Congo took to the field of the SaberCats Stadium, to be greeted by a mixture of intense heat and tropical rain.
Not to mention several hundred spectators, including local school children and various dignitaries.
Houston officials are said to be delighted Congo have chosen to make the Texas city their base for the tournament.
Some players took to gym bikes under the cover of shade, while others did some light ball work.
The ground is located 15 minutes south of downtown Houston, and is a rugby union stadium which is part of Houston Sports Park.
Congo, who have had to quarantine in Belgium for two weeks due to the outbreak of Ebola in their homeland, will be taking part in their first World Cup since 1974.
They have been drawn in a group along with Colombia, Uzbekistan and Portugal, who they will face in their opening game at the Houston Stadium on Wednesday.
Fans are very quickly making their allegiances known outside Los Angeles Stadium, some three-and-a-half hours before the United States takes on Paraguay for their Group D matchup.
Amid the sea of Team USA jerseys bearing the names of stars Christian Pulisic and Clint Dempsey, among others, and fans wearing outfits akin to Apollo Creed’s boxing attire in the Rocky franchise float supporters in Paraguayan kit.
As fans make their way to the security checkpoint to enter the stadium in earnest, a cacophony of “USA” chants ring out. Almost immediately after, the Paraguayans cheer out, hoping to drown out the Americans jovial cheer.
The exchanges last for less than a moment before those waiting in line receive a brief reprieve. As soon as the silence settles, another wave of declarations from either side crash into the eardrums of those waiting.
Only time will tell which side the tide will settle: For the Paraguayans or the host Americans.
USA fans ahead of the World Cup match between USA and Paraguay.(Image: Matt Winkelmeyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Marcos Senesi might be on cloud nine after linking up with the Argentina squad at the World Cup. But someone who won't be celebrating is his new Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi had been banking on having his new signing available for when Tottenham return to pre-season training next month. De Zerbi wanted a much time as possible to integrate the defender into his new club surroundings.
But now Senesi has jetted to North America instead to be part of the World Cup, it means he might not report for club duty until the start of August. Argentina are one of the favourites to win the tournament and defend their title, with the final being in New York on July 19.
While Senesi will be entitled to a two-week break following his participation in the tournament. Tottenham now have 11 players involved in the World Cup.
And De Zerbi now knows he will have a threadbare defence to work with in the opening weeks of pre-season training. Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic, Andy Robertson and now Senesi will all be missing when the rest of the squad reports back for duty.
Marcos Senesi(Image: Michael Steele)
Fans are very quickly making their allegiances known outside Los Angeles Stadium, some three-and-a-half hours before the United States takes on Paraguay for their Group D matchup.
Amid the sea of Team USA jerseys bearing the names of stars Christian Pulisic and Clint Dempsey, among others, and fans wearing outfits akin to Apollo Creed’s boxing attire in the Rocky franchise float supporters in Paraguayan kit.
As fans make their way to the security checkpoint to enter the stadium in earnest, a cacophony of “USA” chants ring out. Almost immediately after, the Paraguayans cheer out, hoping to drown out the Americans jovial cheer.
The exchanges last for less than a moment before those waiting in line receive a brief reprieve. As soon as the silence settles, another wave of declarations from either side crash into the eardrums of those waiting. Only time will tell which side the tide will settle: For the Paraguayans or the host Americans.
Donald Trump offered a message of support to Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT ahead of their opening game at the World Cup.
He said: “Well, I just got 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.”
He added: “I just want to wish you a lot of luck.”
Mauricio Pochettino leads the US charge this summer
England have announced as expected that supplementary squad members Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King will be leaving after the Three Lions' training camp. Thomas Tuchel's side open their campaign on Wednesday against Croatia.
Co-hosts Canada have earned their first-ever point at a World Cup finals after a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Bosnia. Jesse Marsch's side lacked composure for much of the contest in Toronto.
But they were the better team and will be relieved that they've finally got on the board with a point in their third World Cup. Their next goal will be to try and claim three when they face Qatar on Thursday.
Bosnia, meanwhile, will take on Switzerland in their next fixture.
Canada have lift-off with their first-ever World Cup point(Image: Getty Images)
What a finish as Canada draw level in Toronto! Promise David flicks it first time into Cyle Larin, who swivels and volleys past the Bosnia goalkeeper from just inside the box.
The shot takes a deflection, but that doesn't take anything away from an excellent finish. Lift-off for the co-hosts who deserve it after a dominant second-half showing.
Canada have stepped it up in the second half and may count themselves unlucky to still be 1-0 down. But the co-host's composure has been poor and they haven't had the creativity to open up the Bosnian's defence on a regular basis.
Remember, Canada have never even earned a point at the World Cup finals. They do look slightly overawed by the moment, even if they've had the better of the second half in Toronto.
The motto of the 'Lone Star State' of Texas is 'friendship'. Which couldn't be more fitting on both counts, where Tara-Elena Jamerson is concerned.
Because Jamerson is the sole Curacaoan citizen known to be living in Houston. And her home nation is about to come knocking on her front door. Curacao have not just upset the odds, the minnows have demolished them, to book a place the World Cup.
Jamerson couldn't believe it when Dick Advocaat's underdogs turned themselves into top dogs in the Caribbean. Curacao are now preparing to rub shoulders with the cream of international football on the biggest stage of all, starting with Sunday's opening clash with four-time winners Germany in Houston.
While Jamerson is preparing to welcome some familiar faces to her home. Jamerson, who moved to Houston in 2019, will feel like a tour guide this weekend when she reconnects with the culture of the island she chose to leave behind.
Including speaking her native language once again. She said: "It's actually so exciting. You know, I don't really get to speak my language on a daily basis.
"So just seeing all of the people travelling here, you get to see people you haven't seen in so long and connect with them, speaking your language. I cannot even describe it in words, but I'm really excited.
"Most people want to go shopping, while a lot of people want to go to Galleria, but I was like, 'We are very big on restaurants and good food.'"
Around 7,000 supporters are due in Houston ahead of kick off. And for those unable to get a match ticket, the local tourism board has arranged for them to watch the historic game on a big screen close to Hermann Park. The event will also feature live DJs, food and drinks.
Actors Mike Myers and Ryan Reynolds are among those in the crowd for Canada's match against Bosnia. The co-hosts are 1-0 down at half-time and have only had a few half-chances since going a goal down.
Mike Myers is in the crowd(Image: BBC Sport)
Oh dear! A nightmare start for the co-hosts who find themselves 1-0 down around 20 minutes in. A corner from Ivan Basic is flicked on at the near post by former Arsenal player Sead Kolasinac to Jovo Lukic, who nods in from a couple of yards out.
Canada, who have never earned a World Cup point, will have to come from behind in their opener.
Fifa have announced that English referee Michael Oliver has picked up an injury and will be replaced for Sunday's game between the Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
They say, however, that he is expected to be available for selection again in the coming days, so it doesn't sound too serious for the Premier League ref. Oliver has been replaced by French referee Francois Letexier.
It's co-hosts Canada who kick things off in Toronto. They've already made a fast start, having won a corner in the opening minutes.
They've never earned a point at the World Cup finals. That will surely change at this year's tournament, with home advantage set to play a big role for Jesse Marsch's side.
Players from both squads are out on the pitch with lots of emotion as both countries' national anthems are played. Pockets of empty seats are seen in the stadium as we've been accustomed to seeing already at this tournament.
But the atmosphere in Toronto is terrific. The hosts, in particular, will be desperate for a good start to their campaign.
Canada boss Jesse Marsch has been speaking ahead of kick-off.
Asked about his line-up against Bosnia, he said: "Well, we think Tani [Oluwaseyi] can stretch their backline and we think he can press well. We know Cyle [Larin] can come in off the bench and with promise."
On Luc De Fougerolles, he added: "I think it is a big moment for Luc becauee he is young, but we don't treat him as a young player. Luc will be ready and I am excited for him. The whole team is clear on who we are."
Canada's US coach Jesse Marsch(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The biggest ever World Cup kicked off again and again - at two more opening ceremonies in co-hosts Canada and the US. Shakira got the ball rolling with a sensational performance of the tournament anthem Let’s Go at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Thursday.
That was followed by the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. But that was not the end of the greatest show on Earth's antics. Co-hosts the US and Canada wanted their own opening shows too. Alanis Morissette, Jessie Reyez, and Michael Bublé headlined the musical line-up at BMO Field in Toronto ahead of Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A few hours later, Katy Perry, Future and Anitta were set to be among the musicians performing at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, ahead of the US’s opening game against Paraguay. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the opening ceremony in LA showed the ‘extraordinary scale’ of the tournament.
The line-ups for Canada vs Bosnia are out. Several familiar faces in both teams.
Canada XI: Crepeau, Laryea, Cornelius, De Fougerolles, Johnston, Millar, Eustaquio, Koné, Buchanan, Oluwaseyi, J David.
Subs: St Clair, Goodman, Jones, Waterman, Bombito, Davies, Sigur, Choiniere, Shaffelburg, Ahmed, Osorio, Saliba, Nelson, Larin, P David.
Bosnia-Herzegovina XI: Vasilj, Kolasinac, Muharemovic, Katic, Dedic, Memic, Tahirovic, Basic, Bajraktarevic, Lukic, Demirovic.
Subs: Jurkas, Ziomislic, Mujakic, Hadzikadunic, Radeljic, Malic, Gigovic, Sunjic, Hadziahmetovic, Burnic, Alajlbegovic, Mahmic, Bazdar, Dzeko, Tabakovic.
The Canada line-up against Bosnia
The Bosnia line-up against Canada
England's footballers are some of the best looking at the World Cup, according to a fans’ poll. The Three Lions were voted the eighth most attractive team - with Brazil boasting the most handsome squad.
The US and France also catch the eye, according to 3,000 fans polled by sports analysts The Lines. Those quizzed were 57% male, 42% female and 1% non-binary with an average age of 37.6 years.
England boss Thomas Tuchel was voted fifth most handsome manager at the tournament. He was beaten in the ‘phwoar’ stakes by Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, Brazil’s Carlo Anchelotti, US boss Mauricio Pochettino and Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann.
England boasts the 10th most attractive fans. Argentina’s are the best looking followed by Brazil and the US.
Christian Pulisic of the US was voted the most handsome player at the tournament. America’s home kit was considered the best-looking of all participating countries - followed by those of Argentina and Brazil.
Harry Kane against Costa Rica(Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Tonight's game sees Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina and USA vs Paraguay.
Both games will be available to watch on BBC One, with Canada vs Bosnia kicking off at 8pm UK time, and USA vs Paraguay at 2am.
The games can be watched via BBC iplayer with the shows starting at 7pm and 1.30am respectively.
A FIFA statement to The Athletic said: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.
"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country.”
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will not play in his country's first World Cup game in Toronto after being denied entry to Canada, according to the Athletic.
Partey, 32, would have been a starter for Ghana, who get their tournament underway at Toronto’s BMO Field against Panama on Wednesday, June 17th.
But Partey cannot enter Canada, according to the report, and will not be able to play. Ghana also play England and Croatia in the group stages, with both of those matches taking place in the USA.
Thomas Partey could stand trial in November(Image: Toby Shepheard / AFP via Getty Images)
England supporter Garford Beck, 64, of London, who is following the team in the US, said the empty seats did not surprise him.
"I think there will be more to come and FIFA is getting what it deserves," he told the Mirror while traveling with fellow fans in Orlando.
"For Democratic Republic of Congo fans, the cost of one World Cup ticket is the equivalent of their average wage for about 16 years. The prices are ridiculous, so I think there will be more empty seats in games involving smaller nations.
"We watched the match here and the empty seats were really noticeable so that is being seen around the world."
Daily Mirror
