US President Donald Trump has proposed that allowing Russia to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup could serve as an “incentive” for the country to end its ongoing war in Ukraine.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, FIFA and UEFA have imposed a ban on Russian teams from participating in international competitions, including the World Cup and European Championships. This suspension is still in effect, meaning Russia will not take part in the 2026 World Cup.
Trump was asked about Russia’s potential participation in the upcoming tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Speaking alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a meeting for the World Cup task force, Trump expressed surprise about the ban.
“I didn’t know that, is that right?” Trump said, turning to Infantino. “He is the boss, I am not the boss on that.”
Infantino confirmed the ban, stating, “They are banned for the time being, but we hope peace will come and that Russia can be readmitted.”
Trump responded, “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?” He went on to emphasize the need to end the war, noting, “We want them to stop. Five thousand young people a week are being killed… Russian soldiers and Ukrainian soldiers, mostly. Horrible things going on over there. We are going to get that war stopped.”
Currently, Russia is not part of the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup, meaning they cannot participate in next summer’s tournament.
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