June 12, 2026
A humorous statement from California Governor Gavin Newsom's office is garnering attention ahead of his attendance, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at the US team's opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
According to Politico, Newsom and Secretary Rubio will be seated in the VIP section for the match between the US and Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.
When asked about the meeting, an official familiar with Governor Newsom's plans responded:
“The Governor is here to cheer on the US team. If 'frame-mogging' happens, it's entirely coincidental.”
"Frame-mogging" is Gen Z slang used to describe a situation where one person appears more prominently in a photo or video, making the person next to them look less visually striking.
Secretary Rubio's office declined to comment on the statement.
The event is drawing attention not only because of the World Cup but also because both Newsom and Rubio are seen as potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
Governor Newsom has been repeatedly asked about a potential presidential run. In a February interview with CNN, he admitted to having considered the possibility and stated that a final decision would likely be made after the midterm elections.
Meanwhile, President Trump recently mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance as figures who could carry on his political movement in the future.
“I like both of them. And I also like them together on a ticket,” President Trump stated in an interview with the New York Post.
California is currently the US state hosting the most World Cup 2026 matches, with a total of 14 games. Los Angeles will host 8 matches, and the San Francisco Bay Area will host 6.
Newsom stated that California is proud to welcome fans from around the world and aims to showcase the state's image during the planet's largest sporting event.
