An unexpected piece of news has emerged in the world of football: the Russian Football Union (RFS) is reportedly planning an alternative tournament in the summer of 2026 for national teams that failed to qualify for the actual FIFA World Cup. Teams expected to participate in this tournament include Russia, Serbia, Greece, Chile, Peru, Cameroon, and China. The competition could resemble more of a Confederations Cup or a charity match.
However, just a few hours later, the RFS dismissed the news. "This does not correspond to reality," Match TV reported, citing its source.
TASS received a similar comment. But for a moment, let us imagine that this idea had actually materialized.
What would it have meant? On one hand, such an idea appears very bold.
Organizing a tournament parallel to the world’s main football celebration could be perceived as creating an alternative football universe. Something akin to saying, "While you’re playing with 48 teams in the U.S., we’re playing with teams that didn’t qualify but still wanted to participate."
However, in reality, this would not be a manifesto but more of a cry into the void. To be honest, who would be interested in a match between Peru and Cameroon, especially while Brazil and Argentina clash in the World Cup quarterfinals?
Who would watch a game between Greece and Venezuela if, at the same time, France and Germany are competing? True football fans always opt for the main tournament, not its surrogate.
How did this idea even gain traction? Perhaps it was just an unconfirmed and underdeveloped concept that leaked out as mere information.
Alternatively, it could have been deliberately disseminated to gauge public and international reaction. Another possibility is that it was never a real plan at all, simply surfacing as a topic of discussion.
The reality is that Russian teams have been banned from all international competitions by FIFA and UEFA since February 2022. For three years, they have been limited to friendly matches only.
Under Valery Karpin's management, the Russian national team recently drew with Peru and lost to Chile, further highlighting the lack of genuine competitive experience.
An alternative World Cup wouldn’t have solved this issue; in fact, it would have worsened it.
Imagine this: while thousands of fans in Miami are watching star players, a match between teams excluded from the World Cup is taking place in Russia.
The draw ceremony for the 2026 World Cup will be held in Washington on December 5.
Forty-eight teams will learn their opponents. Unfortunately, Russia will not be among them.
Football is a relentless and honest sport: there are no alternative World Cups. There is only one World Cup.
You either participate in it, or you don’t. The rest is just another football match.
