09.05.2025 – (12:01 PM)

US President Donald Trump has said that allowing Russia to compete in the 2026 World Cup would help end the war in Ukraine.

Russia’s national football team has been banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Donald Trump has campaigned on the issue, saying that if he is re-elected in November 2024, he will try to end the war in Ukraine from the first day of his presidency.

Under current rules, Russia is not eligible to compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Donald Trump made the remarks during his first meeting with officials from his office to discuss the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended the meeting.

Donald Trump also admitted that he was unaware of the Russia ban.

“I don’t know about that. Is that true (of Russia’s ban)?” Donald Trump asked Infantino.

“That’s true. They’re banned from playing. But we hope for something to happen and peace. That’s for Russia to play again.”

To which Donald Trump replied, “That’s possible. It’s a good incentive. Is that true? We wanted them to stop. Five thousand young people are being killed every week. It’s unbelievable.”

He also noted that only Infantino could decide whether Russia should be allowed to play again, and he would not make any demands.

US Vice President J.D. Vanguard said that fans from around the world will be welcomed to the tournament, but warned that they will have to return home after the tournament.

The United States will host 78 of the 104 matches in the 2026 World Cup, including the final.

The United States will also host the 2025 Club World Cup, which will be held in a new format next month.