Why is Trump still absent from the World Cup? Will the picture change before the final?

Many expected US President Donald Trump to be a regular at the World Cup. But even though the tournament is halfway through, he has not appeared in a single match so far.

Although the United States has won two of its three group matches and made it to the knockout stage.

So is Trump's absence surprising? Why is he staying away? Will he be seen on the field before the final? BBC Sport has sought answers to these questions.

'My dear Americans and people of the world, the United States is proud to host the World Cup. This tournament has captured the imagination of our country, as it has football over the past few years. All who have come here from different countries and continents of the world and will enjoy the matches played in the United States over the next 30 days - welcome.'

These were the words of the then US President Bill Clinton at the opening match of the first World Cup held in the United States at Soldier Field in Chicago on June 17, 1994.

That day is now remembered more for Diana Ross's missed penalty kick before the match than for Clinton's speech. But in the current context, Clinton's presence seems more significant.

Because the United States is hosting the World Cup again after 32 years. Yet, even halfway through the tournament, current President Donald Trump has not been seen at any match.

Earlier this month, Trump praised FIFA for the success of ticket sales, calling it "the most successful World Cup in their history." This further strengthened the idea that he will have a visible presence throughout the tournament.

He has given great importance to the World Cup in the preparation phase before. Even earlier last year, he raised the topic of the World Cup at a rally before being sworn in as president.

Trump played a key role in the World Cup draw ceremony held in Washington in December, where he accepted the organization's first "Peace Prize" from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

In the past few years, Trump and Infantino have developed a close relationship. Infantino has also been invited to the White House and Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

During his second term, Trump has been a regular at several major sporting events in the United States. He has been seen at the Super Bowl, last summer’s Club World Cup finals and the opening day of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Bethpage.

But the president was conspicuously absent from the opening ceremony of the co-hosted United States’ match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12. He was represented from Washington by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

At the time, it was thought that he had given priority to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event on the White House lawn two days later. The event was held to mark his 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Is this really surprising?

It is common practice for heads of state of the host country of a World Cup to attend the opening match of their country. Qatar's first match was attended by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani four years ago, and Vladimir Putin attended Russia's opening match in Moscow in 2018.

"It's not out of character for Trump," says Federico de Jesus, a political strategist and former president Barack Obama's media director.

"UFC is a sport that Trump has a special connection with. He usually only shows up for the finals of major sporting events or the most talked-about matches. So you could see him at the World Cup final," he told BBC Sport.

In fact, Trump did not attend either of the United States' next two matches - against Australia in Seattle and Turkey in Los Angeles.

De Jesus believes that if he were President Obama, he would have handled the situation differently. He would have been present at the opening ceremony, acting as a generous host and diplomat.

But he also said that Trump is a completely different kind of political figure. For example, he cited Trump's absence from his eldest son's wedding last month, citing official duties as a reason.

Trump may have become a little wary after being booed by fans at the NBA Finals in New York, De Jesus said. The potential backlash may also be a consideration, especially given the large international audience at the World Cup.

His administration's immigration and foreign policy controversies have also left officials concerned about the potential backlash, especially in Democratic-dominated cities like Los Angeles and Seattle.

Will Trump be seen on the field before the final?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Trump plans to attend the final in New Jersey on July 19 and will present the trophy to the winning team. Trump himself has said he has been asked to do so.

However, Andrew Giuliani, the head of the White House World Cup task force, has indicated that Trump may attend a match before the final.

"One thing I can say about my boss, the 47th president of the United States, is that I've known him for almost 30 years. He enjoys dramatic moments," he told the Telegraph.

He added, "He likes to keep people in suspense. So keep an eye out, a