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ATLANTA ― The 2026 World Cup is the largest in tournament history with 48 teams, but expanding one of the largest stages on the planet hasn't come without some pushback.
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) president Aleksander Ceferin isn't a fan of the expanded tournament field.
"We have a lot of matches that are completely uninteresting," Ceferin reportedly told a Slovenian news outlet. "On the other hand, even small countries can participate and feel the pulse of the World Cup, which is a big thing."
Ceferin's comments generated immediate backlash.
On Sunday, a joint statement was released by the football associations for 13 countries (Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa), all sharing their disapproval.
"We respectfully but firmly reject these comments. For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match. For Cape Verde, Curacao and Uzbekistan, qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents a historic achievement and the realization of a dream shared by generations," the statement said.
"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.
"To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognise the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world."
Cape Verde manager Leitao Brito, aka Bubista, had little reaction when asked about Ceferin's statements ahead of a Monday match against Spain. (12 p.m. ET, FOX). Instead, Bubista took a moment to ponder before quietly replying."We are happy to be here. I believe it is an opportunity for teams and smaller countries to have a chance to be able to play and compete in the World Cup like we're doing. We're here with all of our men. So to us, we're proud of being here," Bubista said.
"What we're doing, we're here for our people. Regardless of results, our people have to enjoy the match and be happy during the World Cup. I had already said, as a people, as Cabo Verdeans, we must not allow any other people to cheer this World Cup more than us ... It is an honor to be here and represent our country.
"Our flag will be flying ― that's the most important thing ―among (the biggest) football flags around the world."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Word Cup 2026: Teams rip UEFA president over 'uninteresting' dig
Continue reading...
Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) president Aleksander Ceferin isn't a fan of the expanded tournament field.
"We have a lot of matches that are completely uninteresting," Ceferin reportedly told a Slovenian news outlet. "On the other hand, even small countries can participate and feel the pulse of the World Cup, which is a big thing."
Ceferin's comments generated immediate backlash.
On Sunday, a joint statement was released by the football associations for 13 countries (Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa), all sharing their disapproval.
"We respectfully but firmly reject these comments. For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match. For Cape Verde, Curacao and Uzbekistan, qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents a historic achievement and the realization of a dream shared by generations," the statement said.
"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.
"To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognise the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world."
Cape Verde manager Leitao Brito, aka Bubista, had little reaction when asked about Ceferin's statements ahead of a Monday match against Spain. (12 p.m. ET, FOX). Instead, Bubista took a moment to ponder before quietly replying."We are happy to be here. I believe it is an opportunity for teams and smaller countries to have a chance to be able to play and compete in the World Cup like we're doing. We're here with all of our men. So to us, we're proud of being here," Bubista said.
"What we're doing, we're here for our people. Regardless of results, our people have to enjoy the match and be happy during the World Cup. I had already said, as a people, as Cabo Verdeans, we must not allow any other people to cheer this World Cup more than us ... It is an honor to be here and represent our country.
"Our flag will be flying ― that's the most important thing ―among (the biggest) football flags around the world."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Word Cup 2026: Teams rip UEFA president over 'uninteresting' dig
Continue reading...
