Ghana Coach Carlos Queiroz Slams FIFA's 48-Team World Cup Expansion

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has questioned FIFA's decision to expand the World Cup to 48 teams, arguing that the move has reduced the prestige of qualifying for football's biggest tournament.

Speaking after Ghana's 2-1 defeat to Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the experienced Portuguese tactician said the competition risks losing its uniqueness when too many nations are allowed to participate.

According to him, qualifying for the World Cup should remain one of the toughest achievements in international football.

Queiroz believes the increased number of places available has weakened the importance of qualification campaigns, particularly in regions where several teams now earn automatic spots.

He suggested that reaching the tournament should remain a rare accomplishment rather than something that becomes commonplace.

"I believe that value comes when things are rare," Queiroz said. "The number of teams that can qualify for this competition can turn it into something vulgar and ordinary."

The 73-year-old, who took charge of Ghana in April, acknowledged that his side progressed to the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams but maintained that advancing in such a manner should not become the norm.

Queiroz also expressed concern that commercial interests are increasingly influencing major football decisions.

He argued that financial considerations now carry more weight than preserving the tradition and competitiveness of the World Cup.

The 2026 edition is the first to feature 48 teams after FIFA approved the expansion in 2017. While the governing body says the new format gives more countries an opportunity to compete, Queiroz insists the World Cup's exclusivity should remain one of its greatest strengths.