Trump claims reinstating Russia for FIFA World Cup could 'incentivize' Putin to end Ukraine war | OneFootball

Vladimir Putin’s country has been banned from international competitions since its illegal invasion of Ukraine three years ago

Donald Trump has claimed that allowing Russia entry to the next FIFA World Cup could end the war in Ukraine.

The US president said allowing Russia to compete at the 2026 edition in North America could be an "incentive" to finally end the three-year conflict.

The Russian national team, which is currently ranked 35th in the world, has been banned from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

And under current rules, Russia will not play at next year’s World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Forty-five teams from around the world will qualify for the tournament along with the three host nations.

Mr Trump said reinstating Vladimir Putin’s country from competitions could stop fighting in Ukraine

AP

Meanwhile, 25th-ranked Ukraine will attempt to see off Azerbaijan, Iceland and 2022 finalists France in its World Cup qualifier group.

But speaking at the first meeting of the White House taskforce for the 2026 World Cup, Mr Trump said reinstating Russia for the competition could halt the fighting in Eastern Europe.

Sitting next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Mr Trump was unaware that Vladimir Putin’s nation was banned from the World Cup.

Mr Infantino said: "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."

Mr Trump replied: "That's possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?

Ukraine are attempting to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

AP

“We want to get them to stop. Five thousand young people a week are being killed.”

He emphasised that Mr Infantino was "the boss" when it came to a decision over Russia's participation in future events.

Fifa is yet to comment on the proposal. It seems unlikely special dispensation would be provided to allow Russia’s entry for the 2026 tournament.

Mr Trump campaigned on ending the fighting between Russia and Ukraine on "day one" of office if he was elected for a second presidential term.

However, the US confirmed last week that it will no longer mediate between Russia and Ukraine, leaving the two countries to agree to a ceasefire.

Tammy Bruce, a state department spokesman, said US envoys refuse to fly around the world “at the drop of a hat” to act as a go-between in peace talks, although Mr Trump remained committed to helping.