FIFA Announces Shocking Decision on World Cup 2026 Draw Amid Controversy Surrounding Gianni Infantino

FIFA has decided to conduct the World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as a virtual event, a decision that has sparked controversy amid ongoing scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

This decision allows Infantino to avoid direct media scrutiny following several contentious decisions, including awarding Saudi Arabia the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup without a vote.

The European qualifying draw, traditionally a major event, will now take place online on December 13, 2024, from Zurich. This format change involves drawing 55 European teams into seven groups of five and five groups of four, with the group winners automatically qualifying for the expanded 48-team tournament set to be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.

FIFA's choice to hold the draw virtually is seen as a continuation of practices adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at reducing travel and carbon emissions. Despite the controversy, FIFA has not commented on the decision, though it aligns with their recent trend of embracing digital formats for major events.