Ghana's Carlos Queiroz: 48-team format risks World Cup becoming 'vulgar, ordinary competition'
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has attacked FIFA's expanded tournament structure. He claims the 48-team format makes the competition "vulgar and ordinary" and diminishes its prestige. Queiroz questioned the significance of qualification now that nearly a quarter of FIFA's 211 member associations can compete.
What changed
Carlos Queiroz has publicly slammed the expanded World Cup format following Ghana's progression to the knockout stage.
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Ghana Coach Carlos Queiroz Criticizes 48-Team World Cup Format
confidence 90%Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has attacked FIFA's expanded tournament structure. He claims the 48-team format makes the competition "vulgar and ordinary" and diminishes its prestige. Queiroz questioned the significance of qualification now that nearly a quarter of FIFA's 211 member associations can compete.
What's confirmed:
- Carlos Queiroz is the head coach of Ghana.
- Queiroz described the 48-team World Cup format as "vulgar and ordinary".
- Queiroz stated that the World Cup has lost some of its specialness.
- Colombia defeated Ghana to secure a place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.
Still unconfirmed:
- Queiroz's criticisms followed a 2-1 defeat to Croatia.
- Nine of 10 African qualifiers reached the round of 32.
- Queiroz attributed the competition changes to the phrase "Money Talks".