The situation with Russian teams in international football
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed readiness to consider lifting the ban on Russian teams participating in international tournaments. This decision could significantly impact the situation in Ukrainian football, as Russia was suspended from major competitions in 2022 following the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. As a result, the Russian national team missed the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 European Championship.
Currently, Russia will not be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup and this year's Nations League. At the same time, the Ukrainian national team continues its fight for qualification for the 2026 World Cup. To do this, the team needs to overcome two opponents:
- On March 26, 2025, the Ukrainian national team will meet the Swedish team in the semi-finals of the playoff.
- If victorious, Ukraine will advance to the final to play against the winner of the Poland - Albania pair.
The Ukrainian national team has already completed the first stage of qualification for the 2026 World Cup, winning against Iceland with a score of 2:0 in the second half. In the context of the possible return of Russia to international competitions, Gianni Infantino noted:
'We definitely need to consider this. The suspension of Russia did not achieve anything, only creating more frustration and hatred.' Gianni Infantino
The consideration of the return of Russian teams to international competitions raises concerns among Ukrainian football representatives and fans. This could not only affect Ukraine's chances of qualifying for the World Cup but also exacerbate the political situation related to the conflict in Ukraine. If the ban is lifted, it could open new opportunities for Russian football, which would provoke new debates about fairness and sports ethics in the context of the ongoing war.