Dynamo Moscow striker Fedor Smolov recently commented on Russia’s prospects for a return to global competition, expressing a cautious view about the national team’s chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His remarks, cited by RB Sport, reflect a broader sense of uncertainty surrounding Russia’s participation in forthcoming qualifiers and major championships.
Smolov stated, in his own words, that the likelihood of Russia competing in the 2026 World Cup hinges on being granted entry to the qualifying rounds now. He argued that without permission to participate in the qualifiers, the team cannot realistically contend for a place in the tournament, which he suggested effectively rules out participation at this time. The forward’s perspective underscores the importance of international sanctions and eligibility decisions that shape the country’s path back onto the world stage.
Historically, Russia’s national team and its clubs have faced suspension from FIFA and UEFA competition since spring 2022. These prohibitions limited Russia’s ability to compete in official matches under the aegis of the two governing bodies, complicating the national program’s planning and development. The situation also impacted the broader football landscape within the country, including the domestic league’s scheduling and the opportunities for players to showcase their talents on international platforms.
The national team, led by head coach Valery Karpin, did manage to reach the playoff phase of the qualifying process for the 2022 World Cup, but the suspension ultimately prevented participation in the tournament itself. The ongoing restrictions have also affected Russia’s chances of appearing at major continental championships, such as the European Championship, by removing the team from potential qualification campaigns in subsequent events. In the domestic arena, Dynamo Moscow continues its campaign in the Russian Premier League, where matches against teams like Ural Ekaterinburg remain essential for preserving competitive momentum, regardless of the national team’s status on the international stage.