Donald Trump suggests letting Russia back into FIFA World Cup could be 'incentive' to end the war
Russia is currently suspended from all international competitions, and that will include the World Cup next year, although it appeared that fact was news to Donald Trump
Donald Trump was caught off guard by a journalists question about Russia's role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The next football World Cup is set to be a North American affair, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico playing hosts from June to July next year.
However it seems Trump did not know that Russia won't be joining the tournament, as the country is currently suspended for its invasion of Ukraine.
At a FIFA Task Force Meeting at the White House, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino there, Trump was asked about his thoughts about Russia's ban from the upcoming World Cup. The 78 year old was stumped: "I didn't know that. Is that right?"
Infantino jumped in, saying: "They are banned for the time being from playing. We hope that something happens and peace will happen and then we can be readmitted. So that's what we hope."
Reacting to Infantino's remarks, Trump suggested: "Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want to get him to stop. We want them to stop. We want the 5,000 young people a week are being killed. It's not even believable."
Earlier in the discussion, Trump boasted that having the United States as one of the three host nations would boost the economy, despite the uncertainty stirred by his tariffs.
"These events will also generate tens of billions of dollars in economic activity for local businesses and create thousands and thousands of jobs for American workers," he claimed, promising that his administration would pull out all the stops to ensure the tournament's success.
"We're going to make sure of it," Trump asserted. "The State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and every part of the U.S. government will be working to ensure that these events are safe and successful. And those traveling to America to watch the competition have a seamless experience during every part of their visit.
"It's going to be very special. Together, we will ensure that the 2026 World Cup will be the best run soccer tournament the world has ever seen."
However, many are still concerned that Trump's fractuous relationship with the US' closest neighbours. But Trump insisted that the ties with Mexico and Canada are on the mend, despite the tariffs imposed by the 78 year old on both countries.
"Yeah, we are," the U.S. President confirmed with gusto. "It's total, complete. We talked about it even today at our meeting with Canada. And the level is total. It's going to be perfect. It's going to be beautiful. They're very excited about it."
In addition to the FIFA World Cup, the United States is gearing up to host the Club World Cup this year. The much-anticipated event is scheduled to kick off on June 14 and wrap up on July 13.
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