Trump hints Putin may attend 2026 World Cup in US despite despite Russia's disqualification over Ukraine

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even though Russia remains barred from international competition.

The comment came after Trump revealed that the official draw for the tournament would take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, on December 5.

Donald Trump hints Vladimir Putin could attend 2026 World Cup 

Trump, who recently met with Putin in Alaska for ceasefire discussions on Ukraine, hinted that the Russian leader’s presence could hinge on “what happens” in the lead-up to the quadrennial event.

Trump, while displaying a photo of himself with Putin at the White House on Friday, August 22, remarked, “Vladimir Putin, who I believe will be coming depending on what happens. He may be coming and he may not, depending on what happens. We have a lot of things happening over the next couple of weeks. But I thought it was a nice picture of him, OK of me but nice of him.”

Russia has been suspended from both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, as well as UEFA’s Euro 2024, following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia’s last competitive outing came in November 2021, when it lost 1-0 to Croatia during qualification for the 2022 World Cup. Since then, the team has been absent from all official international tournaments.

FIFA president says Russia could return to global football once peace in Ukraine is restored

During UEFA’s annual Congress in Belgrade in April, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed hope that Russia could one day return to the global football stage, but only if peace is restored in Ukraine.

Drawing comparisons with the past, Infantino referenced the exclusion of Yugoslavia from the 1992 European Championship due to United Nations sanctions linked to the Yugoslav Wars.

“I think about the 1992 European Championship, the golden generation of football in this part of the world,” Infantino began, adding, “Because of politics, the Serbia team was denied access to the European Championship. They certainly had a team to win, but they were denied access. We have always to try to use football to bring people together, to bring countries together, especially in our world which is divided.”

“As talks are going on for peace in Ukraine, I hope that we can soon move to the next page, bring back, as well, Russia in the football landscape because this would mean that everything is solved. That's what we have to cheer for, that's what we have to pray for - because that is what football is about. It's not about dividing, it's about uniting girls, uniting boys, uniting people from wherever they are,” he added.

UEFA signals Russia’s return depends on end of war

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin echoed Infantino’s stance, making clear that Russia’s path back into international football remains tied directly to the war’s outcome.

“When the war stops, they will be readmitted,” Ceferin said, adding that UEFA’s “first decision was done together with Fifa. I think we will (overturn) it together when we do it.”

Internet reacts after Donald Trump hints Vladimir Putin might attend World Cup in US

President Donald Trump’s remark suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin might travel to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stirred a wave of reactions across social media. 

Supporters were quick to praise his wit.

One user wrote, “Beautiful Trophy. President Trump has a great sense of humor.” 

Another added, “Only those who are worthy can hold it... like Thor’s hammer.”

“The FIFA President rolled with it, too. Everyone knows who the boss is,” a user commented.

Several praised Trump’s tone, highlighting his comedic flair. “I have always loved President Trump’s sense of humor!!!” one person posted. 

Another wrote, “He’s finally able to do everything he was prevented and denied the first time.”

“Biden/Harris couldn’t make the smallest step towards peace,” one commenter said, while another declared, “It’s a good sign.”

“This is brilliant,” a user remarked.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.