May 8 – Donald Trump has suggested that the 2026 World Cup could provide Russia a pathway back to international football competition, after only just discovering that the Russian national team was banned by FIFA and UEFA following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump—who famously claimed he would end the Ukraine war on “day one” of his presidency—suggested World Cup participation could serve as an incentive to end the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives
The US President, who prefers golf to football, appeared unaware that Russia was not involved in qualification.
“I didn’t know that. Is that right?” Trump asked.
“That is right,” Infantino confirmed. “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 responded: “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.”
In a rare show of humility, Trump deferred to Infantino, acknowledging that the FIFA President was “the boss” regarding any decision about Russia’s inclusion and that he had “nothing to do” with any potential reinstatement.
Vice President JD Vance, seated beside Trump, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming international visitors while maintaining the administration’s immigration stance. “I know we’ll have visitors, probably from close to 100 countries,” Vance said.
“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.”
Addressing visa processing concerns, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said: “We’re processing those travel documents and visa applications already. 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.”
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1746704826labto1746704826ofdlr1746704826owedi1746704826sni@o1746704826fni1746704826