June 28, 2026
No continent has benefited more from World Cup expansion than Africa.
In total, 10 sides qualified for the tournament, doubling the five spots African sides used to get when a 32-team field was utilised. Nine advanced from the group stage to reach the round of 32, with only Tunisia getting eliminated.
And yet, after Ghana's 2-1 loss to Croatia to round out the group stage on Saturday, Black Stars manager Carlos Queiroz suggested expansion has been a mistake because it takes the luster off earning a place.
"I never see in my life common things, ordinary things that become huge value," Queiroz said. "So the number of teams that qualify for World Cup, I am afraid that can turn this competition to a vulgar, an ordinary competition."
