Trump Floats World Cup Incentive For Russia To End Ukraine War.
US President Donald Trump has proposed that allowing Russia’s men’s national football team to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualification process could serve as an incentive for Russia to halt its war in Ukraine. The suggestion came during the inaugural meeting of the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup, held in the East Room on Tuesday.
Russia’s national teams and domestic clubs have been barred from international competitions since February 2022, following the country’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The suspensions, imposed by FIFA and UEFA, the governing bodies of world and European football respectively, were upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2023 after Russia’s appeal. The ban currently prevents Russia from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Speaking alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump expressed surprise upon learning of Russia’s exclusion. “I didn’t know that. Is that right?” he asked. Infantino confirmed the ban, adding, “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.”
Trump seized on the idea, suggesting it could motivate Russia to end the conflict. “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want to get them to stop,” he said.
The President has recently held discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of efforts to broker a peace deal. Infantino, who has spoken of his close relationship with Trump, expressed optimism about Russia’s potential return to international football. At the 49th UEFA Congress in Belgrade last month, he said, “As talks are going on for peace in Ukraine, I hope that we can soon move to the next page, bring back Russia in the football landscape because this would mean that everything is solved.”
The 2026 World Cup task force, chaired by Trump, will also oversee preparations for this summer’s Club World Cup. The task force includes Andrew Giuliani, son of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, as executive director, and Carlos Cordeiro, a FIFA advisor and former US Soccer Federation president, as a senior advisor. US Vice President JD Vance will serve as vice chair.
While UEFA qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup have already been drawn and some matches played, Trump’s comments have sparked speculation about the potential reintegration of Russian football. FIFA and UEFA have been contacted for comment.
The proposal underscores the intersection of sport and diplomacy, with the World Cup looming as a potential catalyst for peace negotiations.