Trump Says Putin Could Join FIFA World Cup 2026, Criticises Russia-Ukraine War | Watch

Last Updated:August 23, 2025, 06:44 IST

Trump’s remarks appeared to catch many off guard, as Russia remains suspended from both FIFA and UEFA competitions.

Trump displayed a picture of him with Putin during Alaska Summit (Image: X/White House)

US President Donald Trump met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday to discuss preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. During a conversation with the media, Trump surprised many by sharing a photo with Russian President Vladimir Putin and hinting that the Russian leader might attend the global tournament.

Sharing an image taken during their meeting in Alaska, Trump remarked, “I believe he [Putin] will be coming [to the 2026 FIFA World Cup], depending on what happens." He added, “He’s been very respectful of me and of our country but not so respectful of others."

The comments came just minutes after Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. “I’m not happy about anything about that war — nothing… I think over the next two weeks, we’re going to find out which way it’s going to go, and I better be very happy," Trump said.

Trump’s remarks on Putin appeared to catch many off guard, including the FIFA President, as Russia remains suspended from both FIFA and UEFA competitions. Following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian national and club teams were banned from international football “until further notice." Consequently, Russia did not participate in qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

At Friday’s event, Infantino also presented Trump with the first official ticket to the 2026 World Cup. The ticket, labeled “Row 1, Seat 1," bore the number “45/47", a symbolic nod to Trump’s previous term as the 45th president and his current tenure as the 47th US President.

Trump playfully asked Infantino about the US team’s chances of winning during the meeting. When the FIFA President asked the US President to touch and lift the FIFA World Cup trophy, the US President quipped if he could keep it.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the first time the tournament is hosted across three countries. The official draw is expected to take place in Washington this December. The last time the US hosted a World Cup was in 1994.

Location :

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 23, 2025, 06:44 IST

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