FIFA 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. “We fully understand the delicate sensitivity of this matter and while the incident was unintentional,

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

The organization displayed a map during a qualifying draw that showed Ukraine without including Crimea as part of the country,

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.