On February 12, 2026, the UEFA Congress will take place in Brussels. Russian propagandists claim that the participation of clubs from the Russian Federation in European competitions and the return of the national youth teams of the aggressor country to European tournaments will be discussed there. This was reported by
Glavkom.
It is noted that Scandinavia is advocating for the easing of current restrictions on Russia. Sweden, Finland, and Norway are allowing the return of women's and youth teams for the first time. Moreover, this step could be taken by the end of the year –
if the situation regarding the war in Ukraine changes and the parties reach peace.
Participants of the discussion
Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic are ready to discuss the option with UEFA's consent. Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan are in favor of Russia's full return.
Russian football clubs and national teams have been suspended from participating in UEFA competitions since February 2022.
World Cup Qualifiers. Group D
Azerbaijan – Ukraine 1:1 (0:0).
Goals: Mahmudov (72, penalty) – Sudakov (51).
The next match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for the Ukrainian national team will take place on October 10 against Iceland.
Previously, the Ukrainian national team suffered a defeat against France with a score of 0:2 in the qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. The match took place at the stadium in Wroclaw, Poland.
By the way, during the important qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup between Ukraine and France, Ukrainian fans showed their support for the national team by unfurling a huge banner with the inscription 'Fortress of Europe'.
It was reported that the issue of the participation of clubs from Russia in European competitions and the return of youth teams to European tournaments will be considered at the UEFA Congress in Brussels. The resolution of this issue will depend on the further developments in the world and the situation in military conflicts. Scandinavian countries support the idea of easing restrictions on Russia, while other countries on the European continent have differing views on this matter.