SEATTLE — President Donald Trump will not attend Monday’s round of 16 World Cup match between the United States and Belgium at Seattle Stadium.
A King County spokesperson confirmed Thursday that the county has been told neither Trump nor Vice President JD Vance will be in attendance.
The United States men’s national team advanced to Monday’s match with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night, just hours after Belgium staged a dramatic comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time.
Trump has attended several major sporting events while in office, including Game 3 of the NBA Finals last month. Kenmore Air had previously said the Federal Aviation Administration had notified the company last week of a potential presidential visit for Monday’s World Cup match if the USMNT advanced, which could have affected the local seaplane company’s ability to operate flights in the area.
Trump has not attended any World Cup matches to date, although some Cabinet members have. That includes U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who attended the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle on June 19.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino attended multiple group-stage matches in Seattle.
According to the Seattle Times, neither Trump nor Vance have paid a visit to Seattle in their capacity as president or vice president.
Seattle Stadium hosted four group stage matches, including Belgium’s 1-1 draw with Egypt and the USMNT win over Australia. Belgium’s victory over Senegal also came at Seattle Stadium, and the Red Devils’ World Cup base camp is located just a few miles south at the Sounders FC Performance Center.
Monday’s 5 p.m. PT match at Seattle Stadium will be the last at the site in this tournament.
–Derek Harper, Field Level Media
