Small-nation World Cup teams rebuke UEFA chief over 'uninteresting' games remark

Backlash is growing over the expanded 48-team World Cup after UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said the larger tournament could produce games that are “not interesting.” Thirteen national teams, Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, South Africa and Ivory Coast, issued a joint statement expressing “deep disappointment” and rejecting his comments “respectfully, but firmly.” They said, “For our countries there is no such thing as an unimportant game in the World Cup.”

The statement came amid the ongoing debate over the new format, which is being used for the first time and replaces the previous 32-team model. The tournament now has 12 groups of four teams and 104 matches, a major change from past World Cups. While many in Europe have criticized the expansion as a possible blow to the quality of play, countries outside Europe see it as a historic correction and a real chance for teams that have long lacked regular access to the world’s biggest stage.

The teams emphasized the significance of qualification for nations such as Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan, all of which are appearing at a World Cup for the first time. “Qualification for the World Cup is a historic achievement and the fulfillment of a dream of generations,” the statement said. They also noted that Congo and Haiti are returning to the global stage after long absences, and that their participation carries enormous meaning for millions of fans who have waited years, sometimes decades, for this moment.

The statement said that calling such matches less important ignores the efforts, sacrifices and ambitions of players, coaches, clubs, federation leaders and supporters around the world. It added that football “does not belong to a small group of countries” and draws its strength from its universality and ability to connect cultures. The teams said World Cup participation can inspire an entire generation, accelerate the sport’s growth and create lasting memories, concluding: “Every qualified team deserves respect. Every team earned its place. Every game matters.”