The world of international football is no stranger to drama, but the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken on a fresh twist, thanks to recent comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump. On August 22, 2025, Trump made headlines from the Oval Office in Washington, D.C., when he revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States "very badly." The statement came as Trump held up a photograph of himself and Putin, taken during a historic summit in Alaska, adding another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated tournament.
Trump’s remarks came during the official announcement that the World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The event was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who stood beside Trump but chose not to comment on the possibility of Putin attending the tournament. The presence of Infantino signaled the gravity of the moment, as the world’s attention shifts toward the first-ever World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
"Putin wants to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. very badly," Trump declared, holding the photograph aloft for reporters to see. The image, showing the two leaders side by side in Alaska, served as a visual reminder of the complicated relationship between the U.S. and Russia, particularly in the context of major international sporting events.
Trump went further, speculating that Putin "may" attend the tournament, despite Russia’s current ban from FIFA competitions. "He will be coming, depending on what happens," Trump said, before adding, "he may be coming and he may not, depending on what happens." The former president did not elaborate on the circumstances that might influence Putin’s attendance, leaving open a host of possibilities and fueling speculation among sports fans and political analysts alike.
The backdrop to this story is Russia’s exclusion from FIFA and UEFA competitions following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The ban meant that Russia did not participate in the qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup, effectively sidelining one of the sport’s most prominent national teams. The decision, widely covered and debated in the international sports community, was a direct response to geopolitical tensions, and it has had significant ramifications for Russian football on the world stage.
Despite the ban, Trump’s comments suggest that Putin remains eager to be part of the World Cup festivities, even if only as a spectator. The notion of the Russian leader attending a tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—three nations that have taken strong stances on the Ukraine conflict—adds an extra layer of political intrigue to the event. It’s a scenario that has already sparked debate among fans, pundits, and government officials.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s silence on the matter has only heightened the sense of uncertainty. As the head of world football’s governing body, Infantino’s role is to navigate the complex intersection of sports and politics. His decision not to comment on Putin’s potential attendance may reflect the delicate balance FIFA must strike as it prepares for a tournament that is certain to attract global scrutiny.
Looking back, Russia’s role in recent World Cups has been significant. The country hosted the 2018 edition, where Putin played a highly visible role. He addressed the crowd at the opening ceremony, welcomed teams and fans from around the globe, and even took to the field for the trophy presentations following France’s dramatic victory over Croatia in the final. The 2018 tournament was widely regarded as a success from an organizational standpoint, though it was not without controversy, especially given the political climate at the time.
The prospect of Putin attending the 2026 World Cup, even as a guest, raises questions about the intersection of sports diplomacy and international relations. Would his presence be seen as an olive branch, a provocation, or simply a reflection of football’s enduring power to bring world leaders together? The answer likely depends on the state of global affairs come summer 2026, as well as the evolving relationship between Russia and the Western world.
For now, the situation remains fluid. Trump’s comments have injected a new sense of anticipation into the run-up to the tournament, but no official invitation has been extended, nor has Putin confirmed his attendance. The former president’s remarks—"he may be coming and he may not, depending on what happens"—underscore the uncertainty that surrounds both the sporting event and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Russia’s absence from the competition itself is another key storyline. Once a regular fixture in major tournaments, the Russian national team’s exclusion is a stark reminder of the ways in which politics and sport can collide. For Russian fans, the 2026 World Cup will be bittersweet, as their team watches from the sidelines while the world’s best compete on North American soil.
Meanwhile, the choice of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as the venue for the World Cup draw is symbolic in its own right. The location underscores the United States’ role as a central player in the sporting and diplomatic arenas. It’s a decision that sends a message about the country’s commitment to hosting a tournament that is inclusive, high-profile, and deeply connected to the broader currents of international politics.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, all eyes will be on how these political subplots unfold. Will Putin make an appearance, defying expectations and adding a new chapter to the history of sports diplomacy? Or will the ban remain an insurmountable barrier, keeping the Russian leader—and his country—on the outside looking in?
For now, the only certainty is that the world will be watching. With Trump’s comments setting the stage for further speculation and debate, the 2026 World Cup promises to be about more than just football. It’s shaping up to be a showcase of athletic excellence, international cooperation, and, perhaps, unexpected political drama. Stay tuned—because in the world of sports, anything can happen!