‘Every match matters’: African World Cup teams hit back at UEFA President over ‘uninteresting games’ remark

Africa's representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have strongly refuted UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin's criticism of the tournament's expanded 48-team format. In a joint statement, ten African nations, alongside qualifiers from Curaçao, Uzbekistan, and Haiti, expressed their "profound disappointment" with Čeferin's remarks, which suggested the increased number of teams would lead to "uninteresting" matches.

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We respectfully but firmly reject these comments. For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match.

The UEFA chief had argued that while Europe's representation saw a modest increase, other newly qualified nations might struggle against European opposition, potentially diminishing the competitive value of some games. However, the participating nations countered that "there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match" for their countries.

The statement, released through the Senegalese Football Federation, highlighted the historic milestone qualification represents for nations like Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Uzbekistan, and the emotional significance for countries such as Congo and Haiti returning after long absences. "To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognize the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world," the statement read.

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To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognize the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world.

The group emphasized that World Cup qualification transcends sport for many developing football nations, inspiring future generations, accelerating development, and uniting entire countries. They asserted that "every nation that qualifies deserves respect. Every team has earned its place on merit. Every supporter has the right to dream. Every match carries meaning for millions of people around the world."

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We believe that every nation that qualifies deserves respect. Every team has earned its place on merit. Every supporter has the right to dream. Every match carries meaning for millions of people around the world.