Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says 48‑team World Cup devalues tournament

Portugal‑born Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz repeatedly warned that FIFA’s expansion of the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams is turning the competition “vulgar and ordinary”. He argued that the abundance of qualified spots erodes the prestige of the tournament and cheapens the qualification process, saying “value comes when things are rare”. Queiroz made the comments after Ghana’s 2‑1 loss to Croatia in Philadelphia, a result that still left the Black Stars among the best third‑placed teams and through to the round of 32 where they will face Colombia.

Ghana’s group‑stage campaign included a 1‑0 win over Panama, a 0‑0 draw with England, and the controversial non‑call on a penalty against England that Queiroz also criticised, calling the VAR “a coffee‑drinker”. He later announced a revised starting XI for the Croatia match, highlighting Derrick Luckassen’s debut and the continued selection of goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Off the pitch, Canada’s strict visa policy denied more than half of the applications from fans and even blocked Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey from entering the country. Ghana’s sports minister Kofi Adams hinted at a possible contract extension for Queiroz after the tournament, while the coach stressed that the “real World Cup” begins in the knockout round.