Sean Duffy Promotes Secretaries’ Cup as Coast Guard and Merchant Marine Prepare for Rivalry Game

By World Affairs Digest | November 14, 2026

A Historic Football Rivalry Heads to Washington

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is promoting the 2026 Secretaries’ Cup, an annual college football rivalry between the United States Coast Guard Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., bringing two federal service academies together for one of their most celebrated sporting traditions.

Duffy has publicly encouraged supporters to attend the event, highlighting the rivalry as a major maritime showdown.

What Is the Secretaries’ Cup?

The Secretaries’ Cup is an annual NCAA Division III football competition between the Coast Guard Academy Bears and the Merchant Marine Academy Mariners.

The rivalry dates back decades and represents more than a sporting competition. It celebrates leadership, discipline, teamwork and the traditions of America's maritime service institutions.

The contest is often compared to a smaller-college version of the famous Army-Navy football rivalry.

Sean Duffy's Promotion

In a September 25 social media post, Sean Duffy promoted the 46th Secretaries’ Cup, encouraging Americans to support the Merchant Marine Academy as it prepares to face the Coast Guard Academy.

His message also highlighted the involvement of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, adding a political dimension to the sporting event.

The promotion reflects the administration's interest in highlighting federal service academies and their contributions to national service.

Game Details and Schedule Changes

The 2026 edition will take place at Audi Field, home of D.C. United, in Washington, D.C.

Organizers announced a schedule change on November 12:

• Date: November 14, 2026

• Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

• Teams: Coast Guard Academy Bears vs. Merchant Marine Academy Mariners

• Updated kickoff: 4:30 PM Eastern Time

• Broadcast: ESPN+

The previously planned Fan Fest has also been canceled.

More Than Just Football

The Secretaries’ Cup celebrates the connection between athletic competition and public service. Both academies prepare future leaders for careers involving maritime operations, national security and service to the United States.

The annual matchup provides an opportunity for cadets, midshipmen, alumni, military families and sports fans to come together.

Conclusion

Sean Duffy's promotion of the Secretaries’ Cup highlights the importance of America's maritime institutions and their sporting traditions.

As the Coast Guard and Merchant Marine academies prepare to compete, the event promises to bring together sportsmanship, national pride and a historic rivalry.

World Affairs Digest — Understanding America, Beyond Headlines.

Sources: Official Secretaries’ Cup website; U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; U.S. Coast Guard Academy; ESPN.