The president of the Russian Football Union, Alexander Dyukov, spoke in an interview with RB Sports about the national team’s prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He outlined a belief that the squad still has a viable path to earning a spot in the tournament, highlighting the importance of the upcoming competitive phase and the ability to navigate the qualification process against strong European opponents. This view reflects a broader confidence within Russian football leadership that the buildup of the team under current coaching can yield a competitive run in the qualifiers, despite the complicated landscape surrounding national team participation in international events amidst ongoing sanctions and stalling diplomacy. (Source: RB Sports)
Dyukov emphasized that the team led by Valery Karpin remains in contention to secure a place in the European qualifying group. He noted that the road to qualification remains open and that the dynamics of international play can shift rapidly, which could alter the trajectory of Russia’s national squad. The implication is that the federation continues to plan for a future in which Russia competes on the world stage again, contingent on favorable developments and a steady performance level from the national team during forthcoming fixtures. (Source: RB Sports)
During the interview Dyukov acknowledged the presence of external hostility, a sentiment he described as real at the moment. Yet he added that life is prone to quick reversals and that political or sporting climates can change, potentially opening new opportunities for the Russian team in the near future as opinions and circumstances evolve. The commentary underscored a pragmatic approach: keep preparation strong, remain ready for unexpected shifts, and seize opportunities when they arise. (Source: RB Sports)
Earlier in December, at a meeting of the RFU executive committee, it was agreed that a strategic move to Asia should not be pursued without a formal guarantee from the International Football Federation. This stance underscored the federation’s insistence on clear, official backing before altering a long standing alignment with European competition structures and governance. The decision reflected a cautious, procedure driven mindset aimed at ensuring that any such step would be legally and administratively sound within the framework of the sport’s global governance. (Source: RFU meeting summary)
Looking back to the spring of 2022, FIFA and UEFA made the unprecedented move to suspend the participation of the Russian national team together with all Russian clubs from events and competitions overseen by these bodies. The measure effectively isolated the country from the continental and most widely watched tournaments for a period, creating a complex backdrop for any discussions about return to international play. The consequence of the sanctions stretched beyond the national team to club football across Russia, reshaping the competitive landscape for several seasons. (Source: FIFA and UEFA announcements)
In 2023, the Russian national team under Valery Karpin engaged in a limited slate of friendlies, playing a total of six matches as part of ongoing planning and evaluation for the program. In that year, Russian clubs aside from Zenit were not involved in European Cup competition, reflecting the ongoing constraints faced by Russian participants in major European campaigns. The period served as a testing ground for talent, coaching strategies, and team cohesion as the federation prepared for potential future return to the international arena. (Source: RFU communications and match records)
Earlier commentary from former Spartak player Maxim Demenko criticized the cost considerations tied to signing foreign players, arguing that there should be a measured approach to spending in light of the federation’s broader strategic goals. The perspective added to the ongoing conversation about how to balance domestic development with international competitiveness, an issue that has remained central as Russia navigates sanctions, market dynamics, and the long term aim of restoring a robust presence in world football. (Source: Demenko remarks and media coverage)