WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the Trump administration delegation to the US team's opening match against Paraguay on Friday, the State Department said.

Joining the top US diplomat at the match in Los Angeles will be Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin.

The World Cup is "a landmark moment for the Trump Administration, showcasing American leadership and hospitality to a global audience as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary," State Department spokesman Tommy Piggott said in a statement.

On the sidelines of the match, Rubio will meet with Paraguayan President Santiago Pena "to advance the US-Paraguay strategic partnership spanning regional security, trade and investment, and emerging technology," Piggott added.

The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, with the first match kicking off Thursday in Mexico City.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday he plans to attend the World Cup, but did not specify which match or matches.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has said he expects Trump to present the trophy to the winning team at the final on July 19 just outside New York City, as he did during last year's Club World Cup.