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Russia plans alternative World Cup for non-qualified 2026 teams
Russia, banned from FIFA competitions since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, is reportedly preparing to organize its own World Cup next summer for teams that did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
According to Chilean media outlet ADN Deportes, the initiative would serve as a “dissident” tournament aimed at maintaining Russia’s presence on the international football stage despite its official exclusion. The planned event would involve nations that failed to secure a spot in the official 2026 World Cup, offering an alternative competition during the same summer.
The official 2026 World Cup draw, which will feature France’s head coach Didier Deschamps, is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C. Russia’s move, if confirmed, could further complicate the global football calendar and draw attention to ongoing political tensions affecting sports governance.