Trump Says Putin Plans to Attend 2026 FIFA World Cup in US

President Donald Trump revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is eager to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, underscoring a thaw in their diplomatic relationship despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Trump shared a photograph from their recent Alaska summit and expressed hope for a potential Putin-Zelensky meeting, though the Kremlin has yet to confirm any invitation. Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasized football's power to unite nations and expressed optimism that Russia could be reinstated in international competitions once the war ends. Russia has been banned from recent major sports events, including the 2022 and 2024 World Cups and the 2024 Olympics, but Putin's potential attendance at the World Cup would mark a symbolic easing of Moscow's isolation. The Trump administration is also preparing for smooth international participation in the tournament, reflecting broader efforts to manage global engagement amid geopolitical tensions. However, Trump has avoided assigning direct blame for Russian actions in Ukraine, maintaining a cautious stance on the conflict's developments.