Ghana national team manager Carlos Queiroz has launched a fierce critique against FIFA’s decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, expressing deep concerns that the move risks turning the prestigious tournament into a “vulgar, ordinary competition.”
Queiroz Criticizes 48-Team Format Despite Ghana Snatching Round of 32 Spot
The veteran Portuguese coach made his remarks during a press conference following Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Croatia. Despite the loss, the Black Stars successfully advanced to the knockout stage, securing a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the group stage’s eight best third-placed teams.
“I do believe that what really has huge value, huge and significant value, is that which is rare,” Queiroz stated. “I’ve never seen in my life common things, ordinary things that come with huge value. So, the number of teams that qualify for the World Cup, I am afraid that it can turn this competition into a vulgar, ordinary competition.”
He added: “In my opinion, the true value of the World Cup came from the fact that it was rare to be there. It’s still debatable, and we will have to wait and see, but this is an opinion based on my personal feeling.”
From Football to Moneyball: Concerns Over Player Welfare and Qualifiers
The former Real Madrid manager went on to emphasize that financial motivations were driving these massive structural changes to international football.
“In the modern game, money talks,” Queiroz continued. “This is called not football, but moneyball. When money starts to talk, the decisions inside the pitch start to change. Let’s see what the future will bring.”
Furthermore, Queiroz highlighted his growing fears regarding player welfare and physical exhaustion due to the increased fixture list. He also argued that the World Cup qualifiers have been significantly devalued and have lost their competitive intensity.
What’s Next for Ghana? The Black Stars are scheduled to face Colombia in a highly anticipated Round of 32 clash. The winner of this high-stakes fixture will advance to meet either Switzerland or Algeria in the Round of 16.
