President Donald Trump of the United States has imposed stringent guidelines that might reverse Russia’s suspension from the 2026 World Cup.
Russia is now prohibited from participating in the upcoming World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
From June 11 to July 19, 2026, 16 cities from the three North American nations will host it together.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, FIFA and UEFA have prohibited the Russian national football team from participating in international competitions.
The prospect of Russia playing in the 2026 World Cup could be a ‘inducement’ to stop the war in Ukraine, Trump said during the first meeting of his administration’s 2026 World Cup commission.
Trump, who was sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, responded, “I didn’t know that,” when asked about his thoughts on Russia’s ban at the 2026 World Cup. Is that correct? Do you want to elaborate?
At the first meeting of his administration’s 2026 World Cup taskforce, Donald Trump was joined by Gianni Infantino. Image: Getty Infantino responded, “That is right. They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that…” Trump went on, “He’s the boss. I’m not the boss on that. I have nothing to do [with that].” Infantino went on, “We hope that something happens, and peace will happen… and Russia can be readmitted.” Trump responded, “It’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want them to stop.”
Since a 2022 World Cup qualifying match against Croatia in November 2021, Russia has not participated in a competitive international match.
Since losing to Croatia, they have played 16 friendly, winning 11 of them.
Infantino stated his desire to reinstate Russia “in the football landscape because this would mean that everything is solved” during a UEFA congress in April.
Aleksander Ceferin, president of UEFA, went on to say: “[Russia] will be readmitted when the war stops.”
Qualification for the 2026 World Cup began in 2024, with 45 spaces up for grabs in addition to the three host nations.
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