🎙️ Queiroz critical of World Cup expansion in wake of Ghana's progression | OneFootball

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has spoken out against the biggest talking point of this summer: the expansion of the traditional World Cup format.

In the wake of the Black Stars suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat against Croatia, the African powerhouse still managed to progress from the group stage and earn a Round of 32 clash against Colombia on 3 July in Kansas City.

But Querioz, who is a tournament veteran after managing 11 national sides and guiding six to World Cup qualification, appears to be a purist at heart when speaking in the wake of Ghana's defeat in Philadelphia.

“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. When so many teams can qualify, is the value still rare? That would seem debatable to me, but it is only my opinion.”

"Who did not qualify in Europe? The qualification tournaments start to lose their significance if everyone qualifies," he continued. "Qualification should be serious, it should be very tough, very competitive.

“The World Cup should be something with meaning and significance. It should be rare. But, as you know, today money talks in the game."

Despite his stance, numerous nations have achieved historic firsts this summer, including DR Congo, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, and South Africa reaching the knockout stage for the first time; an unachievable feat if not for the expanded qualification and merit of play across the tournament.

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