Marco Rubio Meets Paraguayan President During World Cup Opener in Los Angeles

On June 13, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the U.S. men's soccer team's World Cup opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. During the event, Rubio met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña to discuss U.S.-Paraguay strategic partnerships, as reported by a State Department official. The U.S. team won the match 4-1. Rubio's presence at the game, alongside California Governor Gavin Newsom, sparked interest regarding their potential candidacies for the 2028 presidential election. Newsom has acknowledged considering a presidential run, while Rubio has been mentioned as a possible contender. The State Department did not provide details on the specific topics discussed during the meeting with Peña. Paraguay is recognized as a key ally of the U.S. in South America, particularly in the context of U.S.-China relations. The World Cup is anticipated to attract various political figures and officials as matches occur across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.