If there is a road for Russia to the 2026 World Cup, it may lie eastwards from Moscow and all the way through Asia. As a result of the invasion of Ukraine almost a year ago, much of Uefa does not want to play with the team that represents Vladimir Putin’s regime and the country was quickly kicked out of qualification for 2022.
It is unsurprising then, with three-quarters of Russia’s territory in Asia, that joining the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is being discussed. “It’s a ridiculous idea, but many think that the president wants it to happen and so it probably will if Russia leaves Uefa,” says a high-ranking Korea Football Association official.
