48-Team World Cup Format Questioned by Ghana Coach Queiroz

Ghana's head coach, Carlos Queiroz, has voiced concerns about the expanded 48-team format for the FIFA World Cup, suggesting it could dilute the prestige of the world's premier football tournament. Queiroz believes the increase in participating teams will make the qualification process less challenging and reduce the intensity of regional competitions.

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With too many teams qualifying for the World Cup, the value of being in this tournament is debatable.

"With too many teams qualifying for the World Cup, the value of being in this tournament is debatable," Queiroz told reporters. He noted that qualification matches, particularly in Europe and Africa, are losing their competitive edge as more teams have a realistic chance of reaching the main event. "Qualification matches are starting to lose their importance because too much leeway is given," he added.

Queiroz is calling on FIFA to re-evaluate the tournament's format to ensure that the qualification process remains competitive. He also highlighted the need to consider the demanding schedule faced by players throughout the season, which is exacerbated by an expanded tournament.

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Qualification matches are starting to lose their importance because too much leeway is given.

Reflecting on Ghana's recent 1-2 loss to Croatia, Queiroz acknowledged defensive errors as the cause but described the match as a valuable learning experience for his squad. Despite the defeat, Ghana advanced to the knockout stage, finishing third in Group L. "The important thing is what we learned. It helps the team's development," he stated.

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The important thing is what we learned. It helps the team's development.