Ceferin 'uninteresting' – Aleksander Ceferin sparked backlash after calling expanded 48-team World Cup matches “completely uninteresting.” Thirteen national associations issued a joint rejection, while Cape Verde manager Leitao Brito said the chance to play is what matters most for his
ATLANTA — The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in tournament history, with 48 teams. But as the field expands, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin drew instant fire for suggesting many of those matches won’t matter.
Ceferin reportedly told a Slovenian news outlet, “We have a lot of matches that are completely uninteresting.” He added that the upside is broader access: “On the other hand, even small countries can participate and feel the pulse of the World Cup, which is a big thing.”
That framing didn’t last through the weekend.
On Sunday, a joint statement was released by the football associations for 13 countries — Cape Verde, Curacao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and South Africa — all rejecting Ceferin’s comments.
“We respectfully but firmly reject these comments. For our countries, there is no such thing as an unimportant World Cup match. For Cape Verde. Curacao and Uzbekistan. qualification for the FIFA World Cup represents a historic achievement and the realization of a dream shared by generations. ” the statement said.
It continued with a second set of memories and stakes. “For nations such as Congo and Haiti, returning to football’s biggest stage after a long absence carries a special meaning for millions of supporters who have waited years, and in some cases decades, for this moment.”
“To suggest that these matches are somehow less important is deeply disappointing and fails to recognise the efforts, sacrifices and aspirations of players, coaches, clubs, football leaders and supporters across the world,” the statement added.
For Cape Verde, the pushback landed as the team prepared for a Monday match against Spain. The game kicks off at 12 p.m. ET, with coverage on FOX.
Cape Verde manager Leitao Brito — also known as Bubista — didn’t match Ceferin’s tone when asked about the comments ahead of that Spain fixture. When the subject came up, Bubista paused, then kept his answer simple.
“We are happy to be here. I believe it is an opportunity for teams and smaller countries to have a chance to be able to play and compete in the World Cup like we’re doing. We’re here with all of our men. So to us, we’re proud of being here,” Bubista said.
He brought it back to what the tournament means beyond results. “What we’re doing, we’re here for our people. Regardless of results, our people have to enjoy the match and be happy during the World Cup. I had already said. as a people. as Cabo Verdeans. we must not allow any other people to cheer this World Cup more than us … It is an honor to be here and represent our country.”.
Then he underlined the moment with one image that sounded bigger than football. “Our flag will be flying — that’s the most important thing — among (the biggest) football flags around the world.”
The sequence is stark: Ceferin dismisses expanded-match importance as “completely uninteresting,” and national associations from 13 countries respond by saying the qualification and returns they fought for can’t be downgraded — not even for games that may not look exciting to outsiders.
UEFA Aleksander Ceferin 2026 World Cup 48 teams Cape Verde Curacao Uzbekistan DR Congo Haiti Algeria Tunisia Morocco Egypt Ghana Senegal Ivory Coast South Africa FOX Spain
So he called it uninteresting… but like who asked him? lol
I mean 48 teams is gonna be messy, but the point is people get to watch their country. Ceferin comes off like he’s talking down to everyone. They should’ve just kept it moving instead of saying that out loud.
Wait so is he mad they added more games or is he mad people are actually excited? Because “uninteresting” sounds like he thinks small countries shouldn’t even qualify. Kinda sounds racist-ish but I don’t wanna assume too much. Still, you can’t say that and not expect backlash.
This is what happens when UEFA guys talk like they’re above the sport. It’s literally national teams, not their private club. Also 48-team World Cup already sounds like too many matches and I’m sure some will be boring, but that’s different than calling them unimportant. Like Cape Verde and the others actually care!