Amid growing anticipation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States from June to July next year, speculation has mounted regarding the potential attendance of Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a recent press conference, US President Donald Trump hinted that Putin is keen on attending the event, citing their previous summit in Alaska as evidence of an ongoing thaw in bilateral relations. Moscow’s ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin, corroborated this possibility, stating that Putin may indeed visit the World Cup as a means of fostering closer links with Trump.
Kelin emphasized that the meeting could take place at various international forums, including the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), suggesting that the leaders may have the opportunity to engage in face-to-face discussions before the tournament begins. However, the Ukraine conflict remains a critical topic for future negotiations, with Kelin asserting that peace talks should commence as soon as possible. Despite the potential for improved diplomatic ties, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to dominate the agenda, highlighting the complex nature of US-Russia relations.
Trump’s comments have further fueled speculation, as he mentioned the possibility of an ice hockey match and a football game between the two nations. While these events have not yet been finalized, the prospect of such cultural exchanges signals a shift in the political climate. Nonetheless, the international community remains closely monitoring the developments, particularly given the geopolitical implications of Putin’s potential attendance at the World Cup and its impact on ongoing diplomatic efforts.