Thirteen football federations, including Algeria, have signed a joint letter criticizing UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin over the scheduling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports verified on June 15, 2026. The letter, addressed to FIFA, expresses concerns about the proposed expansion of the tournament to 48 teams and its impact on domestic leagues.
The signatories, primarily from African and Asian confederations, argue that the current schedule favors European clubs and leagues, potentially disrupting the balance of international football. The letter specifically highlights the lack of consultation with non-European federations before decisions were made.
Algeria's football federation, along with others, has called for a more inclusive dialogue to ensure fair representation. The UEFA president has not yet publicly responded to the criticism, but sources indicate that discussions are ongoing within FIFA to address these concerns.