US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino discussed the possible return of the Russian national team to international tournaments.
Trump and Infantino met at the White House on Tuesday. Journalists asked the American leader to comment on the situation with the Russian national team, which is banned from participating in the 2026 World Cup. "I didn't know that. Is that true?" – Trump asked Infantino in surprise.
"That's true. For now, they are banned from playing here, but we hope that something will happen and there will be peace in Ukraine, and then we will be able to accept them back. So that would be great," the FIFA chief replied.
"He's the boss, I'm not the boss on this issue. Peace is possible, participation in the World Cup could be a good incentive to end the conflict," Trump added. “We will end this war,“ the White House said.
Since 2022, Russian national teams and clubs have been suspended from participating in FIFA and Uefa tournaments due to the attack in Ukraine. In connection with this, the Russian team missed the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship. and did not take part in the draw for the qualifying tournament for the World Cup, which will be held in 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.