Kremlin: Putin to attend FIFA Congress ahead of World Cup

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MOSCOW (AP) The Kremlin says Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend the FIFA Congress on the eve of the World Cup opener.

The congress in Moscow is set to choose the host or hosts for the 2026 World Cup. The United States, Canada and Mexico have combined for one bid, and Morocco is the other contender.

A brief Kremlin statement didn't give details of what part Putin will play at the congress.

Putin did not attend the 2010 vote in Zurich which gave Russia the right to host the World Cup, saying he stayed away as a sign of respect for FIFA. He arrived shortly the Russian bid won the vote.