World Cup nations hit back at UEFA chief Čeferin over expanded tournament criticism

• Thirteen World Cup nations have criticised UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin over reported comments describing matches at the expanded tournament as “uninteresting”
• The federations said every World Cup fixture carries huge significance for players, supporters and emerging football nations
• Several signatories are making historic appearances at the 2026 tournament after benefiting from FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams

A coalition of 13 World Cup nations has publicly challenged UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin after he reportedly questioned the quality of matches at the expanded 48-team tournament, insisting there is “no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match.”

In a strongly-worded joint statement released through the South Africa Football Association, the federations expressed “profound disappointment” at comments attributed to Čeferin during a conference in Ljubljana last week.

The statement argued that such remarks failed to recognise the sacrifices made by players, coaches and supporters in countries where qualification for the World Cup remains one of football’s greatest achievements.

“For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match,” the statement read.

“To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognize the efforts, sacrifices, and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders, and supporters across the world.”

Čeferin’s comments were reported by Slovenian outlets Žurnal 24 and Dosi. UEFA had not publicly responded at the time of writing.

The statement was signed by South Africa, Algeria, Cape Verde, Congo, Curaçao, Egypt, Ghana, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia and Uzbekistan.

Several of those nations are appearing on football’s biggest stage for the first time after FIFA expanded the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, a move designed to increase global representation.

“For Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents a historic achievement and the realization of a dream shared by generations,” the statement continued.

The group also pointed to the emotional significance of long-awaited returns for countries that have spent decades outside the tournament.

“For nations such as Congo and Haiti, returning to football’s biggest stage after a long absence carries a special meaning for millions of supporters who have waited years, and in some cases decades, for this moment.”

The federations concluded by defending the expansion of the World Cup and reiterating their belief that football’s growth should continue to create opportunities for nations beyond the sport’s traditional powers.

“We reject the UEFA President’s comments and reaffirm our belief that the growth of football must continue to create opportunities, inspire new generations, and strengthen the truly global nature of our game.”

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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