Gianni Infantino is set to sidestep scrutiny regarding the controversial decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, as FIFA has announced that the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament will be conducted virtually. The confirmation of Saudi Arabia's successful bid for the 2034 World Cup will take place by acclamation during an extraordinary FIFA congress scheduled for December 11, which will also be held online. Following this, the draw for the European qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup is also planned to occur remotely, just two days later. This decision allows Infantino to avoid the spotlight amid ongoing debates surrounding the implications of the Saudi bid.