FIFA and UEFA did not change their stance on the Russian national team and Russian clubs due to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
According to the news of Match TV from the Russian press, FIFA and UEFA decided to continue the ban on Russia from all international football competitions. Accordingly, it has been confirmed that Russia will not be able to take part in the 2026 World Cup.
Due to the war between Ukraine and Russia, the Russian national team and Russian clubs have not been able to participate in UEFA and FIFA organizations since 2022.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. This will be the first time that the most important tournament in football history has been held in partnership with three different countries.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, July 19, 2026, with the final match taking place in New York/New Jersey.
The opening matches for each of the three host nations will be played in the following cities:
According to the calendar announced by FIFA, the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifying groups, which will be held in a new format with 48 teams competing, will be held in Zurich, Switzerland on December 13, 2024.
The group stage matches will be played from March to November 2025. The play-off matches will be held from March 26 to 31, 2026.
