President Trump says Putin may attend 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ban on Russian entry
President Donald Trump has suggested that Vladimir Putin “could” play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite Russia being banned following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA has distanced itself from a potential conflict with President Donald Trump over his claims that some of next summer’s World Cup matches could be moved from U.S. cities deemed unsafe.
President Trump suggested earlier this week that parts of Boston had been “taken over” due to recent riots and said he would “very easily” move 2026 World Cup matches from their designated host city if requested by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
In response, FIFA acknowledged that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the safety of World Cup venues rests with the host nation.
A FIFA spokesperson said in a statement: “Safety and security is a top priority at all FIFA events around the world. Safety and security is clearly the responsibility of governments, and it is for them to decide what is in the best interest of public safety.”
Earlier in the day, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hinted that the city was prepared for a direct confrontation with President Trump if he tried to reschedule the game, which was scheduled for Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxboro.
“A lot of it is locked in by contract, and no one can undo it, even if you’re currently living in the White House,” Wu said on “Java with Jimmy.” “We’re going to continue to be who we are, and unfortunately that means continuing to have the conversation in a way that targets Boston’s values.”
78 of the 104 games in the 2026 World Cup will be played in the United States, and the number of participating teams will expand to 48 for the first time. FIFA has not commented on the cities or stadiums mentioned by Trump.
President Trump also suggested that he would consider moving the 2028 Summer Olympics from Los Angeles for similar reasons.
“If we don’t think L.A. is ready, we’ll move elsewhere if we have to.”
Contribution: Field Level Media
