World Cup teams criticize Ceferin's claim of uninteresting matches
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 12:09 AM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Thirteen nations participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have publicly rejected UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin's comments regarding the expansion of the tournament. Ceferin reportedly stated that the increase to 48 teams has resulted in uninteresting matches. In response, teams from nations like Cape Verde, Curacao, and Uzbekistan issued a joint statement expressing their disappointment and asserting that every World Cup match holds significance for their countries. This World Cup marks the first expansion in nearly three decades, having last increased from 24 to 32 teams in 1998. The offended nations emphasized that qualification represents a significant achievement and a source of pride for their communities.
- •Thirteen World Cup nations react to Ceferin's comments.
- •Teams include Cape Verde, Curacao, and Uzbekistan.
- •Ceferin claims expansion leads to uninteresting games.
- •Qualification seen as historic for many participating nations.
- •This World Cup is the first expanded since 1998.
- 12:09 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup countries rip 'uninteresting' dig about expanded tournament
- 9:22 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup teams reject Ceferin 'uninteresting' claim
- 9:22 PMBBC Sport — World Cup teams reject Ceferin 'uninteresting' claim
"Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has been criticised for reportedly claiming the World Cup expansion for the 2026 finals has led to 'uninteresting' games.
"Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has been criticised for reportedly claiming the World Cup expansion for the 2026 finals has led to 'uninteresting' games.
"UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly claimed an expanded World Cup has led to "uninteresting" matches; 13 teams rejected his dig.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 12:09 AMWorld Cup countries rip 'uninteresting' dig about expanded tournament
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly claimed an expanded World Cup has led to "uninteresting" matches; 13 teams rejected his dig.
- Yahoo SportsJun 14, 2026, 9:22 PMWorld Cup teams reject Ceferin 'uninteresting' claim
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has been criticised for reportedly claiming the World Cup expansion for the 2026 finals has led to 'uninteresting' games.
- BBC SportJun 14, 2026, 9:22 PMWorld Cup teams reject Ceferin 'uninteresting' claim
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has been criticised for reportedly claiming the World Cup expansion for the 2026 finals has led to 'uninteresting' games.
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