In brief
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has called for a public apology from FIFA after a map used during the 2026 World Cup draw failed to recognize Crimea as part of Ukraine. The incident has reignited tensions surrounding the Russian occupation of the peninsula, which Ukraine deems unacceptable.
Ukraine has expressed outrage over a map displayed during the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which failed to recognize Crimea as part of its territory. The graphic, intended to illustrate geopolitical tensions impacting matchups, included Ukraine but omitted the annexed peninsula, leading to accusations of FIFA endorsing Russian propaganda.Heorhiy Tykhy, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, characterized the omission as an "unacceptable error" and asserted that it undermines international law. He stated, "We expect a public apology" and emphasized that FIFA appeared to be "supporting war crimes and aggression against Ukraine" by displaying the misleading map.FIFA issued a response, acknowledging the issue and subsequently removing the map from circulation. Tykhy took to social media platform X to share a corrected version of the map, which clearly delineates Crimea as part of Ukraine.Compounding the situation, the Ukrainian Football Association has sent an official letter to FIFA Secretary-General Mathias Grafström and UEFA Secretary-General Theodore Theodoridis, highlighting their deep concern regarding the infographic presented on December 13, 2024. The correspondence notes that the current depiction contradicts FIFA and UEFA’s established resolutions following the 2014 annexation of Crimea and reflects poorly on their organizational integrity.As Ukraine gears up for the tournament, it will compete in Group D against Iceland, Azerbaijan, and the winners of France's Nations League quarter-final against Croatia. The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off on June 11 in Mexico City and conclude on July 19 in New Jersey, featuring the largest field yet with 48 teams participating across a record 39-day schedule.
