Overview

• During the 2026 World Cup qualification draw, FIFA used a map that excluded Crimea as part of Ukraine, causing political controversy.
• Ukraine's Foreign Ministry accused FIFA of supporting Russian propaganda and demanded a public apology for the incident.
• FIFA acknowledged the error, stating the graphic was removed and the issue was discussed with the Ukrainian Football Association.
• Crimea has been internationally recognized as part of Ukraine, though it has been under Russian occupation since its annexation in 2014.
• The incident comes during an ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukraine vowing to reclaim Crimea from Russian control.