Scandal during the 2026 World Cup selection draw: FIFA showed a map of Ukraine without the annexed Crimea

On the map shown, the occupied peninsula was not marked as part of Ukraine.

International Football Federation (FIFA) got confused during the draw of the group round of the European qualification the 2026 World Cupshowing a map of Ukraine without Crimea in the broadcast.

Before the start of the drawing procedure, FIFA decided to remind the regulations of the qualifying tournament and showed a map of Europe during the explanation about the fact that a number of national teams will be divided into different groups.

On the map shown, the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula was not marked as part of Ukraine.

During the draw, the national team of Ukraine was divided into different groups with the team of Belarus. The Russian national team is not…