A coalition of 13 national football federations has voiced 'deep disappointment' over remarks made by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin regarding the expanded 2026 World Cup. The federations, representing countries from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, issued a joint statement on 14/6, directly challenging Ceferin's assertion that many matches in the upcoming 48-team tournament would be 'completely uninteresting'.

Ceferin's controversial comments came on 8/6 while attending the 'More Than a Game' conference in his native Slovenia, just three days before the 2026 World Cup was set to begin. Addressing FIFA's decision to expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams, Ceferin suggested the new format would result in numerous unengaging contests.

"The 2026 World Cup will feature many matches that are completely uninteresting," Ceferin was quoted by Slovenian media. "However, expanding the number of teams does offer smaller nations the chance to participate and experience the World Cup atmosphere."

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin speaks during a press conference at the 50th UEFA Annual Congress in Brussels, Belgium on 12/2/2026. *Photo: AFP*

Ceferin's initial statement quickly sparked controversy. A wave of opposition emerged on 14/6, when the federations of Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and South Africa issued their joint statement. They expressed "deep disappointment" regarding Ceferin's comments about the 2026 World Cup.

In their statement, the 13 federations affirmed: "For our nations, no World Cup match is unimportant."

The group of federations emphasized that the World Cup transcends a mere sporting event, serving as a powerful catalyst for football development in countless countries. Securing a spot in the tournament represents a historic achievement, inspiring younger generations and forging indelible memories that last a lifetime.

"We are deeply disappointed when someone says these matches are less important," the statement continued. "That fails to acknowledge the efforts, sacrifices, and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football administrators, and fans worldwide."

The protesting group specifically highlighted nations making their World Cup debut, such as Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, DR Congo and Haiti are returning to the global stage for the first time since 1974.

Curacao players Armando Obispo (right), Roshon Van Eijma, and Brandley Kuwas show disappointment after their loss to Germany in Group E of the 2026 World Cup at Houston, Texas, US on 14/6. *Photo: AP*

For first-time participants like Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup marks a historic milestone, the culmination of generations pursuing this dream. For DR Congo and Haiti, a return after more than half a century holds profound significance for millions of fans who have waited patiently to witness their national team on football's biggest stage.

The statement also challenged the notion that only matches involving traditional football powerhouses are noteworthy. "Football does not belong to a select group of nations. The strength of this sport comes from its universality," the federations wrote.

They argued that the World Cup achieves its status as the planet's largest tournament precisely because of its ability to unite diverse cultures, histories, and footballing journeys. This inherent diversity, rather than an exclusive focus on top-ranked teams, defines the tournament's unique identity.

Notably, the 13 signatory federations include several nations that are direct rivals in regional competitions. Their unified stance against the UEFA head's comments underscores the widespread sentiment across global football.

The 2026 World Cup introduces a new format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. This structure is already generating compelling narratives from the group stage. Curacao, for instance, made its World Cup debut, experiencing a 1-7 loss to Germany in its opening match. Despite the result, the nation's federation maintains that their mere presence in the tournament represents the fruits of years of investment and development in football.

Hoang An (according to TSN, SI)