Trump speaks on Russia’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and their potential footballing ban being overturned.
Trump claims that Russia’s chance to compete in the 2026 World Cup could serve as a “incentive” to put an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, FIFA and Uefa have prohibited the Russian national football team from participating in international competitions.
If elected a second time in November 2024, Trump promised to stop the war in Ukraine on “day one” of his presidency.
Russia will not participate in the 2026 World Cup, which the US, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting, according to the present regulations.
In addition to the three host countries, 45 seats were up for grabs when qualification started in September 2023.
Trump claimed that allowing Russia to participate in the 2026 World Cup may put an end to the conflict in Ukraine during the first meeting of his administration’s taskforce on the tournament.
Unaware that Russia was barred from the competition, Trump sat next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“I didn’t know that. Is that right?” Trump asked.
“That is right,” said Infantino.
“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 said: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?
“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 claimed that he had “nothing to do” with any push to reinstate them and that Infantino is “the boss” when it comes to deciding whether or not Russia will participate.