Will Trump really invite Putin for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Washington? POTUS says ‘a lot has to happen’

Donald Trump proposed that Vladimir Putin attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing their respectful relationship.

Updated on: Aug 24, 2025, 20:00:11 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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US President Donald Trump has proposed inviting Russian leader Vladimir Putin attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Washington next year.

Trump showed their picture to the reporter and stated, “That's a man named Vladimir Putin who I believe will be coming depending on what happens." (AP)

During a news conference on Friday to announce the 2026 tournament's date and drawl Trump displayed a photo of the two leaders from their last summit in Alaska, stating that Putin intends to be there “very badly”

Trump showed their picture to the media and stated, “That's a man named Vladimir Putin who I believe will be coming depending on what happens. He may be coming and he may not.”

The US, Canada, and Mexico will host the next FIFA World Cup.

Due to its ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia has been barred from all FIFA and Uefa events, including the most recent World Cup in Qatar. Russia was banned despite the fact that it hosted the tournament in 2018.

However, Trump added, “He's been very respectful of me and my country,” adding that "“We will see… a lot has to happen.”

Also Read: H1-B visa holders face increased competitions, challenges in US labor market, applicant says ‘Feeling very tense’

Netizens react to Trump's Putin remark

As Trump hinted at inviting Putin for the FIFA 2026, one X user wrote: “Except they still won’t allow Russia to play.”

However, some Putin critics slammed Trump's idea, saying: “This is crazy. Crazy crazy.” “Putin kills and traffics kids,” another X user claimed amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

“He is number one fan of Putin,” a fourth user quipped.

Trump and Putin meeting in Alaska

In a high-stakes session on the situation in Ukraine, Putin and Trump last met on August 15 but left without reaching a definitive agreement.

Putin, however, claimed that Trump's leadership abilities will aid in repairing US-Russia ties during a visit to a nuclear research facility on Friday.

“With the arrival of President Trump, I think that a light at the end of the tunnel has finally loomed. And now we had a very good, meaningful and frank meeting in Alaska,” the Russian President stated.

When reporters asked if he would do nothing if Putin refused to sit down for peace talks at the World Cup announcement, Trump responded that he would wait and see "whose fault it is" before attempting to reach an agreement for regional peace.

“In about two weeks,” the President said that he will know whether to sanction Russia or to back off and say, “It's your fight.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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