Morocco and Other Federations Criticize UEFA for 'Lack of Recognition'

Football federations from several nations participating in the 2026 North America World Cup have jointly criticized UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin for his recent comments characterizing the expanded 48-team tournament as featuring "uninteresting" matches. In a joint statement sent to AFP, the federations of Cabo Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and South Africa declared, "We respectfully but firmly reject these statements. For our countries, no World Cup match lacks importance."

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We respectfully but firmly reject these statements. For our countries, no World Cup match lacks importance.

The federations highlighted the profound significance of World Cup qualification for their nations. For countries like Cabo Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, reaching the World Cup represents a historic achievement and the fulfillment of a generational dream. For nations such as Congo and Haiti, their return to the biggest stage in football after long absences holds special meaning for millions of fans who have waited years, even decades, for this moment.

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For Cabo Verde, Curazao, Jordania and Uzbekistan, qualifying for the World Cup represents a historic achievement and the realization of a dream shared by generations; and for nations like Congo and Haiti, the return to the biggest stage of football after a long absence has a special meaning for millions of fans who have waited years, even decades, for this moment.

"To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and reflects a lack of recognition towards the efforts, sacrifices, and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, officials, and fans around the world," the federations stated. They underscored that "football does not belong to a select group of nations" and affirmed that "every qualified country deserves respect and has earned its place on its own merits."

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To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and reflects a lack of recognition towards the efforts, sacrifices, and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, officials, and fans around the world.

The signatories reacted strongly to Ceferin's reported remarks in an interview with Slovenian television, where he allegedly considered many matches in the 2026 World Cup, co-organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, to be "without interest." The tournament will feature 48 teams playing 104 matches until July 19.

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Football does not belong to a select group of nations. Every qualified country deserves respect and has earned its place on its own merits.