Carlos Queiroz Blasts VAR After Ghana Held to 0-0 Draw With England at 2026 World Cup

Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz did not hold back in his assessment of the officiating following the Black Stars’ 0-0 stalemate with England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, directing pointed criticism at both the on-field referee and the VAR officials for failing to act on what he described as an obvious foul inside the penalty area.

The incident at the centre of Queiroz’s frustration involved a late challenge by England defender Ezri Konsa on Ghana substitute Prince Adu. The Ghana coach argued the contact warranted not only a penalty kick but also a red card for Konsa — a decision he believes would have fundamentally altered the match’s outcome. Neither punishment was awarded, and the game ended without a goal.

Speaking at a fiery post-match press conference, Queiroz questioned whether the video review system was functioning at all during the tournament. “I’m not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It’s working?” he said. “I have some doubts because another penalty that they needed to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England, was missed.”

The veteran coach, who has managed national sides including Portugal, Iran, and Egypt during a lengthy international career, continued in a sardonic vein. “They’re very lucky. Once again, VAR went for a coffee. It’s natural, I would like to also take my coffee once in a while, but it was a clear penalty, a red card. You have any doubts about that?” Queiroz appeared aware that his language risked disciplinary consequences, adding: “I’m sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say these kinds of things seriously, they punish me, so I hope you understand that I’m joking.”

His frustration resonated beyond the Ghana camp. According to reports, a former Premier League referee also weighed in on the controversy, agreeing that Ghana were denied in the encounter — a view that has amplified calls for scrutiny of VAR consistency at the tournament.

Despite the officiating controversy, the result itself left both nations well placed to progress. England lead the group on four points, with Ghana sitting just behind on goal difference following their earlier victory against Panama. England’s opening result was a 4-2 win over Croatia.

The statistics from the match underscored England’s dominance in possession without reward. The Three Lions controlled 79% of the ball — the highest possession figure recorded by a team that failed to score in a World Cup match in 60 years. England captain Jude Bellingham acknowledged Ghana’s defensive resolve after the final whistle, offering credit to the Black Stars for their disciplined display.

Both sides now turn their attention to their final group-stage fixtures. England face Panama in East Rutherford on Saturday, a match in which victory would confirm their place in the round of 32. Ghana, meanwhile, travel to Philadelphia for a decisive encounter with Croatia, a side they beat earlier in the group phase. The outcome of those two matches will determine the final group standings and potentially set the tone for the knockout rounds.