FIFA has apologized to the Ukrainian soccer federation for displaying a map during its World Cup qualifying draw that excluded Russia-occupied Crimea from the country’s territory.

The top team from each of the 12 groups qualifies automatically for the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The second-placed teams will get another chance, via play-offs,

Ukraine was one of 54 national teams included in the draw Friday in Zurich for European qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has long vowed to end Russia's occupation of Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014.

A map shown during the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup has been criticised by Ukraine as an "unacceptable error" after it appeared to exclude Crimea as part of the country. The graphic - showing countries that cannot be drawn to play each other for geopolitical reasons - highlighted Ukraine but did not include the peninsula that is internationally recognised to be part of it.

FIFA has issued a brief and general comment regarding the map displayed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw broadcast. The comment is very short and general and does not contain a hint of apology.

Football's world governing body FIFA says it regrets the fact a map showing Crimea as part of Russia was broadcast during its 2026 World Cup qualifying draw on Friday. Ukraine had reacted furiously, with the Foreign Ministry demanding a public apology.