The Poland, Czech Republic and Sweden soccer federations have issued a joint statement saying they will ”not consider traveling to Russia” for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers given the current conflict in Ukraine.
On March 24, Russia and Poland are set to meet in Moscow as part of the new UEFA World Cup qualifying playoff format that features three four-team brackets for the region's final three World Cup berths in Qatar. The winner of Russia-Poland will go on to face the winner of Sweden vs. Czech Republic with a spot in the World Cup on the line.
And if Russia wins its semifinal against Poland, that critical match for a trip to Qatar is also set to take place in Moscow.