U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Russia’s men’s national team being allowed into the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup could be an incentive for the country to end the war in Ukraine.
Since their illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia’s… pic.twitter.com/DKIgOWZvTm
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 7, 2025
Donald Trump says allowing Russia back into World Cup qualifiers could be an incentive to end the war in Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Russia’s men’s national team being allowed into the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup could be an incentive for the country to end the war in Ukraine.
Since their illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia’s national teams and domestic clubs have been suspended by FIFA and UEFA.
The possibility of Russia’s three-year ban from football being lifted has been heightened recently with Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, saying last month he hoped the country’s return would come “soon”.
Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said he was unaware Russia could not, under its current ban, qualify for next summer’s tournament.
“I didn’t know that. Is that right?” Trump asked, before Infantino confirmed it was. “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,” Infantino added.
Trump then replied: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop.”