Ural defender Ivan Kuzmichev addressed whether the Russian squad can still dream about a World Cup triumph, offering a clear and confident perspective on the challenge ahead.
In his assessment, Kuzmichev argues that nothing should be ruled out. He believes the possibility exists to reach the global tournament and to tackle the toughest tasks that come with it. His stance reflects a mindset that sports can surprise even when the odds seem stacked against a team, and it underscores a belief in perseverance, preparation, and belief in one’s own team.
It is important to note that Russia will not participate in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, as both the International Federation and the European confederation opted to ban Russian clubs and the national team from competitions under their governance. This decision has reshaped the landscape for Russian football and altered the trajectory of this generation of players and coaches, who now must navigate international football outside the usual arenas.
In this context, Moscow’s Spartak was set to compete in the Europa League knockout stage for the first time in a decade, while the national team faced a playoff route that would have led to an appearance at the World Cup against Poland. These developments signaled a period of transition and reflection on the path forward for Russian football on the European stage.
The best finish for the Russian national team at a World Cup remains a quarterfinal appearance achieved on home soil in 2018. Ahead of that milestone, the squad had not advanced beyond the group stage, making the 2018 run a landmark achievement and a reminder of the ambitions that Russian football holds as it looks to reclaim strong showings on the sport’s biggest stage.
Former captain Denis Glushakov commented on the broader impact of Russia’s exclusion from international tournaments. He indicated a preference for football to stay separate from politics, yet acknowledged that the current realities require a pragmatic approach and a focus on rebuilding, strengthening domestic competition, and fostering unity among players, clubs, and fans as they chart a new course for the sport in the country.