The World Cup countries criticized the UEFA chief for ‘disappointing’ the opposition of the 48 teams | World Cup 2026 news

‘There is no such thing as an unnecessary World Cup,’ the 13 countries participating in the World Cup said in a statement.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has been criticized by football governing bodies in Asia, Africa and the Caribbean for saying the expansion of the 48-team FIFA World Cup has led to more “unpleasant” matches.

Football associations in Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Curacao, Haiti, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia said on Sunday that they “respectfully but reject” Ceferin’s comments.

Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan made it the first World Cup this year, when DR Congo and Haiti they reached the highest level in football for the first time since 1974. Curacao lost to Germany 7-1 Sunday in their tournament opener.

The 2026 tournament is the biggest ever, with 48 countries, up from 32 in the past.

“For our countries, there are no unnecessary World Cup games,” he said. “Football does not belong to a group of selected countries, its power comes from all countries.”

“For many countries, participating in the FIFA World Cup is not just a sporting success, it is a moment that inspires a generation, contributes to the development of football and makes memories for a lifetime.”

The statement did not mention Ceferin’s comment. But he was reported by the Slovenian websites Zurnal 24 and Dosi to be talking about the matter last Monday at a meeting in Ljubljana.

“We have a lot of matches that are not interesting,” he said, according to Zurnal 24.

“On the other hand, even small countries can participate and feel the impact of the World Cup, which is a big thing,” he added.

The joint statement said that the qualifications of the contestants represent “a momentary victory and the fulfillment of a dream that has been passed down through the generations”.

“For countries like Congo and Haiti, returning to football’s biggest stadium after a long absence has a special meaning for the millions of fans who have waited for years, and sometimes for years now.”

The speech also emphasized the years of work and money that goes into qualifying for the World Cup. “Behind every national team there are teams and millions of people who see football as something of pride, hope and unity.”

“To say that the sport is undervalued is extremely disappointing and does not recognize the efforts, dedication and ambitions of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters around the world,” he said.

It concluded by saying: “We believe that every race that is worthy should be respected.

“Each team has found its place at a good level. Every supporter has the right to dream, every game has meaning for millions of people around the world.

“Therefore we reject the UEFA President’s statement and reaffirm our belief that the growth of football must continue to bring opportunities, inspire new generations and strengthen the international culture of our sport.”