UEFA criticized FIFA president for participating in Trump's tour.

The participation of FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a trip to the Gulf countries alongside US President Donald Trump was condemned by UEFA. This information was reported by Sky News, indicating that the opening of the FIFA Congress in Asuncion was postponed due to Infantino's delay. The FIFA president also missed several important events in the Paraguayan capital.

Infantino apologized for his delay, claiming that the trip with Trump was necessary to discuss preparations for the World Cup. During this trip, upcoming tournaments were discussed, including the 2026 World Cup, where the USA and Saudi Arabia will act as hosts.

"Making last-minute changes during the FIFA Congress is deeply regrettable... We are all in our positions to serve football - from the streets to the stands, and FIFA council members from UEFA felt it necessary in this case to clarify that football comes first," UEFA's statement said.

Qualification for the 2026 World Cup

The Ukrainian national team has a chance to participate in the qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The qualification cycle in Europe will last from 2025 to 2026 and will consist of two stages. The first stage will include 12 groups, the winners of which will receive direct qualification.

The second stage of the qualification cycle will feature 16 teams competing in playoffs for the right to participate in the tournament. In addition to Europe, other confederations will also hold their own qualifying tournaments for participation in the tournament.

Final tournament of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be historic, as 48 teams will participate in the final tournament. The group stage will consist of 12 groups, after which teams will move on to the playoffs. The opening match and the final of the tournament will take place in different cities of the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Russia was excluded from participating in the World Cup qualification due to violations of anti-doping rules.

This piece of news reveals not only the FIFA president's trip to the Gulf countries but also details of the qualification and preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The criticism and changes in the timing of the FIFA Congress have provoked negative reactions from UEFA representatives, indicating tense relations between the confederations. Plans for holding the tournament and participation in qualifications are already attracting the interest of football fans and national football teams around the world.