Trump suggests FIFA World Cup participation could motivate Russia to end war in Ukraine

US President Donald Trump has suggested that allowing Russia to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup could serve as an "incentive" for Moscow to end its war against Ukraine.

Speaking during the first meeting of his administration's 2026 World Cup task force, Trump raised the idea in the presence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Caliber.Az reports, citing British media.

The United States is set to co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico.

Russia's national football team has been banned from international competition by both FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The ban has excluded Russia from participating in World Cup qualifiers, which began in September 2023. A total of 48 teams will compete in the tournament, including the three host nations.

While discussing the preparations for the event, Trump appeared unaware of Russia's exclusion from the tournament. “I didn't know that. Is that right?” he asked.

Infantino responded, “That is right. 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 then offered his perspective: “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.”

Although he floated the idea of reinstating Russia as a potential peace incentive, Trump emphasized that the final decision lies with FIFA. “He’s the boss,” Trump said, gesturing toward Infantino. “I have nothing to do with that.”

Trump has repeatedly claimed he could bring the war in Ukraine to an end swiftly if elected to a second term in November 2024.