Credits: X
FIFA issued an apology to the Ukrainian football federation for a map error during the World Cup qualifying draw. The map that the international football administrative body displayed during the draw excluded Russia-occupied Crimea from the country’s territory. It is to be noted that Ukraine demanded an apology from FIFA after it displayed a map showing countries that cannot be drawn to play each other for geopolitical reasons. It highlighted Ukraine but didn’t include the peninsula that is recognised to be a part of it.
This error sparked debate and Ukraine Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhy took to X to question it for “redrawing” the international map. He wrote, "Are you OK, @FIFAcom? By redrawing international borders in yesterday's broadcast, you not only acted against international law, but also supported Russian propaganda, war crimes, and the crime of aggression against Ukraine.” He added, "We fixed the map for you and expect a public apology.”
We fully understand the delicate sensitivity of this matter: FIFA issues apology
The international organisation issues an apology for the error. FIFA’s chief member association officer, Elkhan Mammadov wrote in a letter, “We fully understand the delicate sensitivity of this matter and while the incident was unintentional, we sincerely regret any concern it may have caused.” Notably, Ukraine was one of the 54 nations that were included in the draw in Zurich for European qualifying groups for the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Ukraine was drawn into a qualifying group with either France or Croatia as well as Iceland and Azerbaijan. The winner of the group will directly advance to the World Cup which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. On the other hand, the club that will finish as the runner-up will enter a playoff scheduled in March 2026.
