U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that allowing Russia’s men’s national soccer team to enter the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup could effectively incentivize the country to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, FIFA and UEFA have rightfully suspended Russia’s national teams and domestic clubs. This decision was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in 2023 after Russia’s appeal was rejected.
In recent months, Trump has actively engaged in discussions with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to negotiate a peace deal. The prospect of lifting Russia’s three-year soccer ban has been bolstered by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who expressed optimism last month that the country could return to international soccer “soon.” Infantino has highlighted his strong relationship with Trump as they gear up for the 2026 men’s World Cup, which will take place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Trump chairs a newly established task force for the event, which will also oversee this summer’s Club World Cup. During the task force’s inaugural meeting on Tuesday, Trump openly acknowledged that he was unaware of the ban preventing Russia from qualifying for the upcoming tournament. “I didn’t know that. Is that right?” he inquired, and Infantino confirmed the situation. “They are banned for the time being, but we are hopeful that a resolution will be found and peace will be achieved, allowing Russia to be readmitted,” Infantino added.
Trump responded confidently, “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a great incentive, right? We want them to stop. We definitely want them to stop.”
At the 49th UEFA Congress held in Belgrade, Serbia, Gianni Infantino confidently addressed the ongoing peace talks being mediated by the U.S. He expressed optimism, stating, “As negotiations progress for peace in Ukraine, we are poised to turn the page and welcome Russia back into the football landscape, signaling that we have overcome this crisis.”
The UEFA qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup have been successfully drawn, and matches in several groups have already commenced. The Athletic has proactively sought comments from FIFA and UEFA regarding these developments.
Additionally, it has been officially announced that Andrew Giuliani, the son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, will take on the role of executive director of the World Cup task force. Carlos Cordeiro, a seasoned FIFA advisor and former president of the United States Soccer Federation, will serve as a senior advisor, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance will take on the role of vice chair.
