Infantino Shuns Public Eye: World Cup Qualifiers Draw to Be Held Virtually

FIFA President Stays Out of Sight as Controversial Draw Approaches

FIFA President Gianni Infantino will not attend the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will be held virtually on Friday. The decision follows a series of controversies surrounding the organization and its leadership.

Infantino's Absence Raises Questions

Infantino's absence has raised eyebrows, as he usually attends major FIFA events. His decision not to appear has led to speculation that he is trying to avoid further scrutiny amid ongoing investigations into FIFA's financial dealings.

Controversies Plague FIFA

FIFA has been mired in controversy in recent years, with allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering. The organization has also been criticized for its handling of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which has been plagued by human rights concerns.

Virtual Draw to Be Held

Despite Infantino's absence, the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will proceed as scheduled. The event will be held virtually, with teams from around the world participating remotely.

Format of the Draw

The draw will determine the groups for the first round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Teams will be divided into six pots based on their FIFA rankings, and each pot will be drawn into one of 10 groups.

Top Teams to Watch

Some of the top teams to watch in the draw include Brazil, Argentina, France, and Germany. These teams are all expected to be drawn into the top pot and will be favorites to qualify for the World Cup.