Russia’s National Football Team and Prospective Friendlies with Tanzania, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Sudan, and Senegal
The Russian national football team may engage in friendly matches with the national teams of Tanzania, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Sudan, and Senegal. This update came from a report by Match TV and reflects discussions that occurred during informal outreach at the recent sporting forums.
According to the source, officials from the football federations of these countries visited the Russia – Power of Sport stand at the forum held in Perm in October. There, cooperation talks took place, and the parties explored the possibility of arranging matches in 2024. The exact venues and dates have not been fixed yet, and negotiations continue. It is noted that all of the prospective opponents except Senegal are outside the top 100 of the FIFA world rankings, suggesting a mix of competitive tests and opportunities for development.
Since 2022, the Russian national team has faced significant sanctions from FIFA and UEFA, which suspended Russia’s participation in all competitions governed by those organizations for the spring season. The pause affected both the national squad and clubs, shaping the competitive landscape for Russian football over the ensuing months and years.
In 2023, the Russian team played five friendlies, including matches against Iran and Iraq in March, Qatar in September, and Cameroon and Kenya in October. These fixtures represented continued efforts to engage in international play despite the suspension framework and the evolving political and sporting environment.
Earlier reporting indicated that the Iranian national team would not be available for a Russia confrontation until at least 2025, reflecting scheduling and regulatory considerations tied to broader international participation.
Looking ahead, the possibility of additional friendly matches with teams from Africa and the Middle East remains on the table as talks progress. Such games could provide valuable preparation for the Russian side, enabling experimentation with lineups, tactical approaches, and player development while navigating the current regulatory climate.
Overall, the coming months could see a mix of confirmed fixtures and pending negotiations as the RFU seeks competitive engagement options that align with international sanction policies and the strategic goals of Russian football. The outcomes will likely depend on ongoing discussions with counterpart associations, regulatory bodies, and the broader international football calendar.