FIFA: Russia returns to official competitions

After a three-year suspension, Russia is back on the scene in official FIFA competitions. For the first time since March 2022, Russian national teams have been cleared to take part in an official tournament.

Gradual comeback.

Russia has been given the green light to participate in the U-15 World Cup and its accompanying festival, scheduled for October 22–31, 2026, in Azerbaijan. Belarus has also been invited. After being suspended in 2022 by FIFA and UEFA following the invasion of Ukraine, Russian national teams and clubs were excluded from all international competitions, limited only to playing friendly matches.

Despite the ban, Russian football has remained competitive, with the senior men's national team ranking 34th in the FIFA rankings, while the women’s team sits at 27th.

Infantino paved the way

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had already shown openness in February 2026, stating: "We have to take action, at least at the youth level. This ban has achieved nothing but more frustration and hatred." With this decision, FIFA follows in the footsteps of the International Olympic Committee, which allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under a neutral flag at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

For now, the green light applies only to youth categories. It's a first step toward gradual reintegration, as no announcement has yet been made regarding senior national teams or the 2030 World Cup qualifiers.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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