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United States president Donald Trump was expected by many to regularly feature at the World Cup.<\/b><\/p>\n
But he is yet to attend a single match, despite the United States team winning two of their three group games, and qualifying for the knockout stages.<\/p>\n
So is it a surprise? Why may he have stayed away? And will he appear before the final? BBC Sport takes a closer look.<\/p>\n
“My fellow Americans, citizens of the world, the United States is honoured to play host to this magnificent celebration. The World Cup has captured the imagination of our country, as has the game itself in the last few years\u2026So I welcome all who have come from all countries and all continents and all who will watch these games in the United States for the next 30 days.”<\/p>\n
The words of president Bill Clinton on 17 June, 1994 at Soldier Field in Chicago when attending the opening match of the first World Cup to be held in the United States.<\/p>\n
The day is remembered more for Diana Ross’ missed ‘penalty-kick’ during the pre-match festivities than Clinton’s address, but his presence now seems more notable.<\/p>\n
Because 32 years on, the country is once again staging the event, and yet, with the halfway point of the tournament passed, the current president has stayed away.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Trump hailed the number of tickets sold by Fifa, labelling it “the most successful World Cup they’ve ever had”, and reinforcing the widely-held view that he would be a highly visible and enthusiastic presence.<\/p>\n