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,

FIFA apologized to Ukraine for map error during World Cup qualifying draw that excluded Russia-occupied Crimea from the country’s territory.

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

Fifa has apologised to the Ukrainian Association of Football for displaying a map of the country during its World Cup qualifying draw that excluded Russia-occupied Crimea.

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.

World football's governing body has removed the image omitting Crimea from Ukrainian territory, which Kyiv called an "unacceptable error". View on euronews

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.