The Russian Football Union (RFU) announced that the national team will meet Cuba in a friendly on November 20, with Volgograd as the venue. The matchup is planned to take place at Volgograd Arena, the site used during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the kickoff is scheduled for 19:30 local time. The list of players and staff will be confirmed closer to the match, with preparations focusing on both tactical readiness and team cohesion as Russia resumes international play in a controlled, non-competitive format.
In official statements, organizers confirmed that the Russia and Cuba national teams will compete in Volgograd on November 20. The event will be held at Volgograd Arena, and the start time is set for 19:30. This fixture arrives in a period when national teams and clubs affiliated with Russia participate only in friendly matches due to ongoing regulatory decisions that affect international competition.
From spring 2022, FIFA and UEFA suspended Russia from their competitions, affecting participation in all events under those bodies. Since then, Russian clubs and the national team have been limited to friendly fixtures as the governing bodies reassessed eligibility and participation rules. The change marked a significant shift in the team’s competitive calendar and scheduling, with national team activities focusing on friendlies and structured training camps as part of broader normalization efforts.
In the 2022 season, Russian clubs other than Zenit did not participate in European Cup matches. The national team, led by head coach Valery Karpin, played five friendlies in 2023, reflecting a sustained approach to maintaining team readiness and evaluating players in a varied pool. Recent results include a 1-0 victory over Cameroon and a 2-2 draw with Kenya, both part of ongoing preparation for international competition.
A former Russian football player commented on the current selection approach, noting that the coach’s call-ups and the overall squad dynamics matter more than any single player’s background. This perspective underscores the importance of depth and adaptability as the national team continues to build cohesion ahead of future matches and potential reentry into wider international play.