US President Donald Trump says the opportunity for Russia to play at the 2026 World Cup could be an "incentive" to end the war in Ukraine.

It is an unusually sensible suggestion. However, I'm not sure it is in his gift to offer readmission to major sporting events. Russian teams were being banned and excluded from world sport for rampant doping and cheating well before the Ukraine war started.

has nativeportlander made a comment here? he has me blocked but based on some of the replies to a comment or 2 it appears he has....just curious, that's all.

And lets face it - 90% of republicans dont care if he does if it means they can get richer from it. When the worlds leading nation starts ignoring the rest of the world and becomes self indulgent, the worlds second largest nation will take over the role of world leadership. America has been headed down an isolationist route ever since Obama and yet when China grew its influence in Europe, the US started bullying Europe into ignoring China. Now the US is being anti European - what choice will Europe have but to re-embrace China and the other emerging giants. Adam Smith - the wealth of nations - Europe still recognises it needs to trade even if Trump is building a "fortress America". Shades of 1928 all over again - because the lessons have been forgotten.

I wouldn't day "sensible", but anything other than "I will end it in 24 hours" could be considered sensible.

You could be on the right planet, but you're not on Earth. The 2026 World Cup didn't just become known. It hasn't been an incentive before. And, why should their bad behaviour be rewarded? Finally, Putin will get more mileage out of promoting Russia as a martyr for its own nationalism.

Before reentering Earth, remember to allow time to readjust to the atmosphere and gravity.

You're on the correct planet, just the wrong country to be commenting on American politics.

That incentive has been there for three years. Hasn't had much effect yet.

Another brilliant post from Captain Kangaroo.

Maybe he actually took some meds unbeknownst to him...

Of coursen if you say ENOUGH things, at least ONE ought to be right...

you live in england and think you are an expart on american politics?? duh

Russia actually wants to come to an agreement to end the war. Unlike Ukraine, where the childish dictator thinks he can win a war against Russia. Russia is doing everyone a favor by not wiping Ukraine off the map.

hmmmm....lets see, play some soccer or conquer a whole nother country, hmmmm...this is a toughie

Lots of things are cancelled because the West, Americans and the EU population, accept war and austerity instead of stepping up to the plate and being socialist. Early deaths for example, among you... Gahead! No exit, no peace you are just great!

did team russia go through the qualification process or should they get to play because trumps says so or he'll have another hissy fit and announce new tariffs?

The boost to the economy would not be an equivalent sell to rebuilding the Soviet Union, which is the ultimate aim. Besides which, Russia have no chance of winning even if given automatic qualification.

Why would Russia care enough about sports... when they clearly don't care about their own soldiers or citizens.

Heck why is Trump still obsessed with Russia?

He seems to care more about pleasing Russia than he does America

No incentive needed... after all, the liar in the Oval Office said he'd end russia's war of aggression in 24 hours.

All that lies behind his current suggestion is that US is now aligned with russia and must please their new ally

No incentive at all. Just another peanut shuffle.

Putin wants to destroy Ukraine completely and he is not at all bothered about Trump.

Trump has no say in that competition, numbnuts, so he never would have said it. Stop watxhing msdnc and cnn and you will learn the establishmemt are nothing but lies all around.