Concerns Rise Over UEFA President's Comments on 2026 World Cup
By Kang Sang HeonPosted : June 15, 2026, 09:30Updated : June 15, 2026, 09:30
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed criticism regarding the expansion of World Cup teams from 32 to 48 during a conference in his hometown of Ljubljana, Slovenia. [Photo: Yonhap News, Reuters]
Aleksander Čeferin, the president of UEFA, faced backlash from participating nations after he remarked that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, featuring 48 teams, would result in "boring matches."
On June 14, the 13 nations competing in the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, issued a joint statement expressing their "deep disappointment" with Čeferin's comments.
The statement was supported by football associations from South Africa, Morocco, Haiti, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Egypt, Cape Verde, Senegal, Algeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uzbekistan, and Ghana.
Earlier, during a conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Čeferin criticized the increase in World Cup participants from 32 to 48, stating that it would lead to "boring matches" at the world's biggest football festival.
According to local media reports, he acknowledged that while many matches may lack excitement, the participation of smaller nations holds significant value, allowing them to experience the World Cup atmosphere.
The participating nations, which include Uzbekistan, Jordan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao, all making their World Cup debuts, immediately responded to his remarks.
In their statement, the 13 football associations firmly rejected Čeferin's comments, asserting that "there are no unimportant World Cup matches for our countries." They emphasized that the qualification of Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan is a historic achievement and the realization of a dream shared across generations. For nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Haiti, returning to the global stage after long absences carries profound meaning for millions of fans who have waited years, even decades, for this moment.
They added, "It is very disappointing to suggest that these matches are less significant. Such a notion disregards the efforts, sacrifices, and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders, and fans worldwide."
The expansion of World Cup participants marks the first increase since the 1998 tournament in France, which expanded from 24 to 32 teams.
The 13 football associations stated, "Behind every qualification lies years of effort and investment. Every national team is backed by millions of citizens and communities who take pride in football as a source of hope and unity."
They concluded by asserting, "Football is not the exclusive domain of a few countries, and its true strength lies in its universality. We believe that every nation that qualifies deserves respect. Every team has earned its place fairly, and every fan has the right to dream. Each match holds great significance for millions around the world. We reject the UEFA president's comments and reaffirm our belief that football's growth continues to create opportunities, inspire new generations, and enhance its value as a truly global sport."