Mathias Busekist
You read that right.
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that allowing Russia to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup could serve as a potential incentive for Moscow to end its ongoing war in Ukraine, the BBC reports.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of his administration’s task force on the 2026 World Cup — set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — Trump floated the idea of using sport as diplomatic leverage. Russia remains banned from international football competitions by FIFA and UEFA following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“I didn’t know that. Is that true?” Trump asked after learning from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Russia is currently barred from the tournament. Infantino confirmed: “That’s right. They are banned from playing for now, but we hope that something happens and peace happens so that Russia can be readmitted.”
Trump responded: “That’s possible. That could be a good incentive, right? We want to make them stop. Five thousand young people a week being killed — it’s just unbelievable.”
While expressing optimism about the role football could play in promoting peace, Trump acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with FIFA. “He’s the boss,” Trump said of Infantino, clarifying that he had “nothing to do” with any move to reinstate Russia.
Trump has repeatedly stated that he would end the war in Ukraine “on the first day” of his second term if reelected. Under current rules, Russia is not eligible to compete in the 2026 World Cup, and the qualification process — which began in September 2023 — is already underway, with 45 of 48 total spots up for grabs beyond those reserved for host nations.
JD Vance on Visitors: “They’re Going to Have to Go Home”
Also present at the meeting was U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who emphasized a warm welcome for fans traveling to the U.S. for the tournament — with a firm caveat. “I know we’re going to have visitors, probably from close to 100 countries,” Vance said. “We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to see the competition. But when it’s over, they’re going to have to go home.”
The U.S. is set to host 78 of the 104 matches, including the final. However, the World Tourism Forum Institute has raised concerns that the country’s stringent immigration policies and global political tensions could significantly impact international attendance.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also addressed logistical preparations ahead of the tournament, saying: “We’re already processing these travel documents and visa applications. It’s obviously going to be a precursor to what we can do next year and for the World Cup. Everything is being facilitated.”
The upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, set to begin next month in 12 stadiums across the U.S., is expected to draw nearly two million foreign visitors