US President Donald Trump has claimed Russian participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup could provide an ‘incentive’ for the nation to end the war in Ukraine.
Russia have effectively been barred from FIFA and UEFA club and national team competitions at all levels since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Trump was questioned about the possible participation of Russia at next year’s World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the first meeting of his World Cup taskforce, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the tournament.
‘I didn’t know that, is that right?,’ Trump said, turning towards Infantino, adding ‘He is the boss, I am not the boss on that.’
‘That is right,’ Infantino replied. ‘They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.’
Donald Trump suggested the World Cup could be an incentive for Russia to end the war in Ukraine
Russia’s national team are currently barred from competing at next summer’s tournament
FIFA president Gianni Infantino suggested Russia could be readmitted if peace occurs
Trump said: ‘That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?
‘We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. Five thousand young people a week are being killed, it’s not even believable, the Russian soldiers and Ukrainian soldiers mostly.
‘Horrible things going on over there, we are going to get that war stopped.’
Russia are not currently able to participate in next summer’s tournament, with the nation not part of the qualification process.
European qualifying for the World Cup officially began in March, with 16 spots at the tournament on offer.
A number of the groups are still yet to play matches due to Nations League ties also taking place during the same international break.
Speaking in March, Infantino had expressed a desire to bring Russia back into the fold, suggesting it would be a sign the war had ended.
‘As talks are going on for peace in Ukraine, I hope we can soon move to the next stage and bring back Russia in the football landscape, because this would mean everything is solved,’ Infantino said.
‘That is what we have to cheer for, that is what we have to pray for, because that is what football is about.’
While banned from UEFA and FIFA competition, Russia’s national team have been playing friendlies.
