U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that allowing Russia to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup could serve as an incentive for the country to end its war in Ukraine.
Russia has been banned from international football competitions by both FIFA and UEFA since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. As things stand, the nation is ineligible to participate in the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking during the first meeting of his administration’s 2026 World Cup taskforce, Trump floated the idea that Russia’s participation in the Inter-continental showpiece might encourage a resolution to the conflict.
Trump, who has repeatedly claimed he could end the war “on day one” was earlier unaware that Russia was barred from participating in the tournament.
“They are banned for the time being from playing,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed during the meeting, “but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”
“Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?” Trump said. “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.”
Trump’s comments come as World Cup qualification is already underway, with 45 spots up for grabs in addition to the automatic places for the host nations.
The idea of using sport as a diplomatic tool remains to be seen, but President Trump’s suggestion adds another layer to the ongoing geopolitical dialogue surrounding Russia’s exclusion from international sport.
Report by Kelvin Papa Sackey for Asaase News
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