"If not this year, then next year": Russia's comments on the participation of the Russian national team in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The Russian national soccer team is unlikely to participate in the 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Representatives of the aggressor country will not be reinstated in international competitions until December, when the draw for the qualifying tournament will take place.

This was stated by the president of the Russian Football Union (RFU), Alexander Dyukov, in an interview with the propaganda news agency RIA Novosti. He shared his fantasies about what teams from Russia might be allowed to participate in FIFA and UEFA tournaments next year.

"Speaking of the 2026 World Cup, let's be realistic, the likelihood that we will be admitted to the qualifying tournament in December is not that high. Still, I hope that in the near future - if not this year, then next year - some positive changes will take place, and we will be admitted to the official tournaments of both UEFA and FIFA. It is difficult to make any percentage estimate of the possible admission in December, but, of course, the probability is below 50%. But it's not 1% either," Dyukov said.

Earlier, Russian national team striker Fyodor Chalov was called a fool in his home country because he moved to play in the Greek championship.

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, Russian midfielder Daniil Glebov, with a traditional sense of self-exceptionalism for Russian representatives, accused the Pakistanis of disrespect.

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