Thirteen nations participating in the upcoming FIFA World Cup have jointly issued a statement criticizing UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin’s recent remarks questioning the value of the tournament’s expanded 48-team format. The collective response emphasizes that all World Cup matches hold significance, implicitly rejecting Ceferin’s suggestion that a larger tournament could dilute the competition’s prestige. The statement represents a unified front from teams across various confederations, signaling dissatisfaction with the UEFA chief’s public comments. Organizers view the expansion as a positive step towards greater inclusivity and global representation in football’s premier event. The nations involved did not disclose specific details of Ceferin’s criticism beyond its general negativity towards the expanded format. This coordinated response highlights growing tensions between FIFA and UEFA regarding the future direction of international football. The statement underscores the importance of the World Cup to all participating countries, regardless of perceived competitive strength.