At the post-match press conference, Queiroz repeatedly mentioned VAR with sarcasm. The coach, who also manages Iran, began by asking a FIFA representative present: "I'm not sure if VAR is still operating at the World Cup. Do we still have VAR? Is it still working?"

Coach Carlos Queiroz reacts during the 0-0 draw between Ghana and England in the second round of Group L, World Cup 2026, at Boston Stadium, Massachusetts, US, on 23/6. After the match, he criticized the officiating and claimed VAR overlooked a penalty for Ghana. *Photo: AP*

The tactician, who previously coached Portugal, Iran, and Egypt, then asserted that Ghana should have been awarded a penalty. "I have a bit of doubt about that, because Ghana should have been awarded another clear penalty against England," he stated.

Queiroz believed his team created the most dangerous opportunities and made their opponents nervous. "We had enough chances to say they were lucky. They were very lucky," he added.

The controversy occurred in the 78th minute. Prince Adu broke free into the penalty area before Ezri Konsa kicked his thigh, causing him to fall. Ghana's players appealed to Honduran referee Said Martinez for a penalty, but he waved it off. VAR also did not intervene.

Prince Adu's fall inside England's penalty area

The 73-year-old coach continued to mock the referee assistance technology. "Once again, VAR went for coffee. Sometimes I also like to drink coffee, that's normal. But this was a clear penalty and a red card. Do any of you have doubts? Or am I the only one who saw it on the field?"

According to former Premier League referee Graham Scott's analysis, Konsa's tackle was quite clumsy, with no clear indication of touching the ball before Adu fell. Scott believed there was sufficient basis for VAR to review the situation.

Prince Adu (number 25) closes in as Ezri Konsa clears the ball in front of England's goal, with Jordan Pickford rushing out to assist. Ghana claimed Konsa fouled Adu in a controversial play during the 0-0 draw in Group L, World Cup 2026, at Boston Stadium. *Photo: AP*

Approximately 12 minutes earlier, Ghana had also reacted strongly after a collision between goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Adu outside the penalty area. Pickford rushed out but did not touch the ball, then collided heavily with the Ghana forward. Referee Martinez again awarded a free-kick to England.

Scott described this as the most puzzling decision of the match. He believed that sending off Pickford might have been too harsh, as defender Marc Guehi was covering behind. However, the England goalkeeper should have at least been penalized for his uncontrolled rush.

Jordan Pickford (left) collides with Prince Adu outside the penalty area in the second half of the 0-0 draw between England and Ghana in the second round of Group L, World Cup 2026, at Boston Stadium, Massachusetts, on 23/6. This incident led Ghana to believe the England goalkeeper deserved to be sent off. *Photo: AP*

Despite his dissatisfaction with the refereeing decisions, Queiroz conceded that the 0-0 scoreline accurately reflected the match's dynamics. "They had more possession. We fought more, we fought better," he said. "We had our chances, and they also created opportunities late in the game. I think this is a fair result. They are happy with the draw, and so am I."

Afterward, the Ghana coach deliberately softened his criticism with another joke: "Sorry for my sarcasm. If I said these things seriously, they would fine me. So please understand that I am just joking."

Beyond the refereeing controversies, Queiroz also exchanged words with Jude Bellingham as both teams left the field for halftime. The England midfielder had previously made a strong tackle on Ghana's central defender Jerome Opoku.

Jude Bellingham (center) reacts after a collision with Jerome Opoku (left) in the first half of the 0-0 draw between England and Ghana in the second round of Group L, World Cup 2026, at Foxborough Stadium, Massachusetts, on 23/6. This incident led to arguments among players from both teams and Ghana's coaching staff. *Photo: AP*

Bellingham confirmed he spoke with Queiroz but suggested it was merely a consequence of on-field competitiveness. "I made a somewhat foolish tackle. Afterward, I spoke with their player," the Real Madrid midfielder stated. "The Ghana bench stood up, demanding I receive a yellow card. I recognized their coach as Queiroz, who used to work at Man Utd. I have great respect for him."

Queiroz revealed he only wanted to remind Bellingham to be calmer after a tackle that could have resulted in a second yellow card. According to him, the England midfielder reacted with inappropriate language, which started the argument.

The draw helps both England and Ghana maintain favorable positions in the race to advance from Group L. England currently has 4 points after two matches, similar to Ghana. In the final match, England will face Panama in New Jersey, while Ghana will play Croatia.