World Cup Excitement Hits Host Nations as USA, Canada, and Mexico Start Strong
World Cup enthusiasm has officially arrived in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this week, as all three co-hosts kicked off the 48-team tournament with positive results.
Mexico secured a 2-0 victory over South Africa, while Canada fought back from a deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Bosnia. However, the most impressive performance among the host nations came from the USA. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad surprised everyone with a dominant display, winning 4-1 against Paraguay.
After months of discussion surrounding President Donald Trump, the players finally took center stage. The 80-year-old has been heavily involved—and widely criticized—during the buildup to the world’s biggest football competition. Even a current USMNT player expressed dissatisfaction with the American leader.
Donald Trump Meeting Called 'Weird' by USMNT Star
One player who contributed to that commanding World Cup win over Paraguay was not impressed when he met the President in 2025. Timothy Weah, who entered the match in the 72nd minute, was part of a Juventus delegation that visited the White House in June last year.
The Italian club was preparing to compete in the newly formatted Club World Cup, which took place in Weah’s home country. Juventus players had an awkward-looking visit to the Oval Office ahead of their opening game.
Folarin Balogun scored twice on his World Cup debut after choosing to represent the United States over England.
As the players stood behind Trump’s desk, Weston McKennie, also a USMNT member, looked confused when the President asked: "Could a woman make your team, fellas?"
Weah later revealed he had no choice but to attend the meeting. The wing-back stated (via the Metro): "It was all a surprise to me, honestly — they told us that we have to go and I had no choice but to go so I showed up."
The 26-year-old, son of Ballon d'Or winner George Weah, explained that he felt uneasy as Trump began discussing Iran and other political topics while he and his teammates stood in the background. Describing the 'weird' encounter, he added:
"I was caught by surprise, honestly. It was a bit weird. When he started talking about the politics with Iran and everything, it’s kind of like, I just want to play football man."
Watch the awkward meeting below.
Weston McKennie Also Criticized Trump
McKennie, who was also present with his Juventus teammates, was sharply critical of President Trump during his first term. Specifically, he spoke out during the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.
"I don’t think that Trump is the right one for the job as the president," the USMNT midfielder said after protests. Trump controversially labeled the movement 'toxic propaganda'.
Trump will now have a significant role on World Cup final day this July.
McKennie even stated that he understood why some call the American leader 'racist'. He continued: "I stand by these words. I believe he doesn’t understand the responsibility he has for the entire country. I think he’s ignorant. I don’t support him a bit. I don’t think he’s a man to stand by his word. In my eyes, you can call him racist."
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