Julius OkorieAs part of efforts at ensuring peace and addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has appealed to FIFA to lift the suspension on Russia to enable her participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, FIFA and UEFA have prohibited the Russian national football team from competing in international football events.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDuring Trump’s campaign for a second term in the November 2024 election, he expressed a commitment to bring an end to the war in Ukraine upon resuming office.
Currently, Russia is ineligible for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
With qualification processes having started in September 2023 and 45 spots available apart from those reserved for host nations, the situation surrounding the tournament is being closely monitored.
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During the first meeting of his administration’s 2026 World Cup task force, Trump shared his perspective that the possibility of Russia’s involvement in the tournament could encourage dialogue and collaboration aimed at resolving the conflict.
In discussions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, he acknowledged the existing ban while underscoring the paramount importance of pursuing pathways to peace.
Infantino remarked, “They are banned for the time being from playing, but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”
Trump responded: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right?
“We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.”
Furthermore, US Vice President JD Vance emphasised the nation’s eagerness to welcome fans from around the globe for the tournament, while also highlighting the importance of adhering to immigration regulations after the event.
He stated, “We’re excited to host visitors from nearly 100 countries. We want them to come, celebrate, and enjoy the games. However, they will need to return home after their stay.”
The US will play a significant role in hosting the tournament, with 78 out of 104 matches taking place on American soil, including the final.
US To Facilitate Visa Process For 2026 World Cup:
Meanwhile, the United States Government has announced an expedited visa application process for international visitors planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This initiative aims to facilitate smooth entry for football fans from around the globe who wish to experience the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The U.S., who are also set to welcome participants to the 2025 Club World Cup, which will take place in June, are the primary host of the 2025 World Cup alongside two other North American countries, Canada and Mexico.
On Tuesday, the inaugural meeting of the FIFA World Cup Task Force was held at the White House, chaired by President Donald Trump. The meeting saw the participation of key cabinet members, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, among others.
Secretary Noem outlined the U.S. government’s strategic plans to process visa applications efficiently for qualified football fans.
“This summer, by hosting the Club championship, we’re already in the process of handling travel documents and visa applications,” she explained. “This experience will serve as a valuable precursor to our efforts next year for the World Cup.”
Noem further confirmed that her department is coordinating with relevant authorities, including the State Department, the Attorney General’s office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to streamline the visa processing procedures and ensure timely approval.
She expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts among these agencies, emphasizing their importance in making the World Cup accessible to enthusiastic supporters.
In addition, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans for enhanced transportation options, including additional buses and other forms of transit, specifically to support the city of Miami during the tournament.
President Trump also confirmed the appointments of Andrew Giuliani as the Executive Director of the Task Force and Carlos Cordeiro as a Senior Advisor, with Vice President JD Vance serving as the co-chair.
Recall that President Trump also had a brief meeting with Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome during the funeral of Pope Francis, as part of what many suspect to be in line with seeking peace and arresting carnage as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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