U.S. Defeats Paraguay 4-1 as Rubio Meets Paraguayan President at World Cup Match

The United States men's national soccer team defeated Paraguay 4-1 in its World Cup opener at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Friday night. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Paraguayan President Santiago Peña at the stadium during the match. An administration official said Rubio used the opportunity to discuss strategic partnerships.

The State Department did not provide additional details about the discussion, including whether the meeting had been arranged before the match or what specific issues were addressed. California Gov. Gavin Newsom attended the match at SoFi Stadium.

Reports indicated Rubio would be seated in the same suite as Newsom. The World Cup is being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Paraguay maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan and is one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic allies in South America.

The State Department and Newsom's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.