Some media outlets in Albanian and Serbian have baselessly claimed that Kosovo was presented as part of Serbia on a map published by FIFA.
On December 16, 2024, the Serbian outlet “Republika.rs” published an article titled “PRISHTINA WILL MELT FROM PAIN: FIFA Apologized to Ukraine for Russian Crimea, but KOSOVO REMAINS SERBIA (PHOTO).” This outlet claimed that FIFA, through a graphic displayed during the group draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, confirmed that Kosovo is part of Serbia.
“Kosovo is Serbia, FIFA has once again confirmed. Ukraine raised an alarm because the graphic shown during the group draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers showed Crimea as part of Russia, aligning with Moscow's position but not Kyiv’s or nearly the entire world’s.” The article further misinforms by stating that FIFA apologized to Ukraine for the map error but did not do the same regarding Kosovo.
"Meaning, no one mentioned it anymore, so it can be concluded that Kosovo and M are part of Serbia, and for FIFA, this is not a mistake but reality," wrote the Serbian outlet.
Facts about FIFA’s Map
During the draw for the 2026 World Cup, FIFA published a map showing European countries that are prohibited from playing against each other, among other reasons, due to strained relations. Examples include Ukraine and Belarus, as well as Spain and Gibraltar. Kosovo, Serbia, and Bosnia-Herzegovina were also marked on the map as pairs that could not face each other.
The claim made by "Republika.rs" does not reflect the reality of the situation. The map had no connection to the recognition of statehood but merely outlined restrictions for safety and geopolitical reasons.
Furthermore, FIFA has for years dismissed claims that Kosovo is treated as part of Serbia. The organization has recognized Kosovo as a member since 2016, treating it as an independent state within the international football community.
“Gazeta Express” also published an article claiming that “FIFA and UEFA caused a major scandal by presenting Kosovo as part of Serbia.” This article reiterated the same arguments that Kosovo is treated as part of Serbia, without clarifying that within the same color grouping, Bosnia- Herzegovina and other European countries that cannot play against each other were also included.
FIFA, the global governing body of football, faced strong reactions from Ukraine, which demanded an explanation as to why Crimea was depicted as part of Russia. Subsequently, FIFA apologized to the Ukrainian Football Federation, adding that it had removed the map where Crimea was excluded from Ukraine.
"We fully understand the delicate sensitivity of this matter, and while the incident was unintentional, we sincerely regret any concern it may have caused," read FIFA’s letter.
Kosovo and Ukraine are among the 54 teams that were part of the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
In the World Cup qualifiers, Kosovo is in a group with Sweden, Switzerland, and Slovenia.
Russia, due to sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine, will not participate in the qualifiers.
*This article is published as part of the Western Balkans Regional Initiative against disinformation. “Western Balkans Anti-Disinformation Hub: exposing malign influences through watchdog journalism.”
