President Donald J. Trump raised eyebrows Friday when he suggested that Russian leader Vladimir V. Putin could be invited to the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the unveiling of the tournament’s date and draw, Mr. Trump brandished a photo of himself with Mr. Putin taken during their recent summit in Alaska. “That’s a man named Vladimir Putin who I believe will be coming depending on what happens,” Mr. Trump said. “He may be coming and he may not. But he wants to be there very badly.”
The remarks underscored the former president’s willingness to extend a public olive branch to the Russian leader, despite Moscow’s continuing war in Ukraine and Russia’s suspension from FIFA and UEFA competitions. Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been barred from international football tournaments, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Mr. Trump’s comments carried an air of informality, but they also hinted at a broader political calculation. “He’s been very respectful of me and my country,” Mr. Trump added, appearing to frame the potential invitation in personal rather than diplomatic terms.
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The two leaders last met on August 15 in Alaska for a summit centered on the conflict in Ukraine. The meeting concluded without a breakthrough. Still, during a separate visit to a nuclear research facility on Friday, Mr. Putin praised Mr. Trump’s leadership qualities, saying they could help “restore U.S.-Russia relations.”
If Mr. Trump’s suggestion were to be acted upon, it would collide with both the political sensitivities of the tournament and the sporting sanctions imposed on Russia. The 2026 World Cup is expected to be one of the largest global sporting events in history, and any appearance by Mr. Putin would likely dominate headlines well beyond the pitch.
Whether the idea was a genuine proposal or rhetorical flourish remains unclear. But even in the realm of speculation, it set the stage for a World Cup conversation that stretches far beyond soccer.
