Thirteen nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup – spanning Asia, Africa and the Caribbean – issued a joint rebuke of UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin after he labelled many matches in the expanded 48‑team format as “uninteresting.” The South Africa Football Association released the statement, stressing that every fixture carries significance for players, coaches and fans alike and the integrity of the competition.

Čeferin’s remarks, reported by Slovenian outlets Žurnal 24 and Dosi following a conference in Ljubljana, sparked outrage across the group. Nations such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan celebrated historic first‑time qualifications, while Congo and Haiti marked returns after long absences. The collective statement warned that dismissing matches undermines the sport’s global growth and the aspirations of millions and national pride.

UEFA has not responded to ESPN’s request for comment, leaving the federation to face mounting diplomatic pressure. The dissent underscores how the tournament’s expansion, intended to broaden representation, now risks alienating emerging football nations if their matches are perceived as peripheral. The 13‑nation coalition vows to defend the value of every World Cup game moving forward for their supporters worldwide.