President Trump suggested that allowing Russia to compete in the 2026 World Cup could incentivize them to cease hostilities in Ukraine.
Fifa and UEFA imposed a ban on Russia’s national football team from international play in response to the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Ending the Ukraine conflict on his first day back in office was a key part of Trump’s reelection platform.
Existing rules bar Russia’s participation in the 2026 World Cup (a US, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting event).
Qualification opened in September 2023, with a total of 48 spots available (45 plus the three host nations).
Trump, addressing his 2026 World Cup taskforce’s inaugural meeting, proposed that readmitting Russia to the tournament might conclude the war in Ukraine.
Beside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Trump was oblivious to Russia’s ban from the tournament.
“That’s news to me. Is that right?” Trump asked.
“That is right,” said Infantino.
“They are banned from playing for the time being, but we hope that something will happen 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.”
Regarding Russia’s participation, Trump stated that Infantino was the ultimate authority and that he had not played any role in the decision to reinstate them.

Vance: World Cup visitors must ‘go home’ after tournament

Seated opposite President Trump at the meeting, US vice-president JD Vance expressed the US’s eagerness to host international fans for the tournament but insisted they return home once it concludes.
The US will host 78 out of 104 matches, which includes the final. The World Tourism Forum Institute cautions that tight US immigration rules and worldwide political unrest could considerably reduce international travel.
“I know we’ll have visitors, probably from close to 100 countries,” said Vance.
“We want them to come. We want them to celebrate. We want them to watch the game.
“But when the time is up, they’ll have to go home.”
The US will host the Fifa Club World Cup across twelve stadiums starting next month.
The tournament is expected to attract around two million international visitors.
“We’re processing those travel documents and visa applications already,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“That is obviously going to be a precursor to what we can do next year for the World Cup as well. It is all being facilitated.”