Controversy Over the 2026 World Cup Format: 13 Federations Affirm That Every Match Holds Meaning.

Thirteen Football federations from across various world regions released an official joint stance in response to comments made by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin regarding the new format and expanded participation for the FIFA World Cup.

These federations come from Africa, the Caribbean, Central Asia, and multiple other territories. They argue that Ceferin's criticism of the new World Cup format -- including his claim that many qualifying matches are uninteresting -- fails to reflect the reality faced by most nations fighting to reach the final tournament.

"For our nations, there is no such thing as an unimportant FIFA World Cup match. Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is a historic achievement, and the realisation of a dream passed down from generation to generation," read the joint statement published via the Moroccan Football Federation's X account on Monday, 15 June 2025.

The document was signed by the national football federations of Senegal, Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, Congo, Haiti, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and South Africa.

The federations stressed that the view dismissing most qualifying matches as insignificant disregards the long struggle undertaken by players, coaches, clubs, federation administrators, and millions of football supporters across these countries.

According to the signatories, the journey to the World Cup is not built overnight. Every nation invests resources, drafts detailed long-term plans, and works relentlessly for years in order to realise the dream of competing on football's biggest global stage.

The statement also highlighted football's role as a symbol of national unity and pride. Behind every national team exists an entire community for which this sport acts as both a source of hope and a binding force for society.

This coalition of federations emphasised that football belongs to the entire world, and must never be judged solely through the perspective of a small circle of groups or selected decision-makers.

"The FIFA World Cup is the greatest football competition on this planet precisely because it brings together diverse cultures, histories, and individual football journeys," the statement continued, adding that appearing at the World Cup often carries meaning that extends far beyond mere sporting achievement.

For many developing nations, successfully qualifying for the World Cup final tournament is far more than just an on-pitch accomplishment. This milestone also inspires Young Generations, drives domestic Football Development, and creates cherished lifelong memories.

Concluding their joint statement, the federations requested that every nation which secures a World Cup place receives equal respect for their struggle and their achievement.

"Every country that qualifies deserves full respect. Every team earned their place through merit. Every single match has meaning," the statement concluded firmly.