World Cup 2026: ‘VAR was on vacation’ - Carlos Queiroz criticises refereeing after Ghana held England
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz criticised VAR in light-hearted but pointed remarks after his side’s 0-0 draw with England in their Group L encounter at the Boston Stadium on Tuesday night.
The result saw England dominate possession with 79 percent of the ball, the highest recorded by a team that failed to score in a World Cup match in six decades. Despite the territorial control, the Three Lions were unable to break down a disciplined Ghana side that held firm throughout the contest.
However, the Black Stars were left frustrated by two contentious moments, most notably a late penalty appeal involving England defender Ezri Konsa and Ghana substitute Prince Adu Kwabena.
Earlier, Kwabena had also been involved in a collision with England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which was penalised as a free kick in England’s favour.
Speaking after the match, Queiroz mixed humour with criticism, questioning the consistency of video review decisions.
“Is VAR still working in the World Cup?” he joked. “Do we still have VAR? I have doubts about that.” He returned to the same theme afterwards, saying: “The VAR referee was on vacation in the second half, apparently.”
He later doubled down on the theme, suggesting the system had been absent when Ghana needed it most.
“Once again, the VAR went for coffee,” Queiroz continued afterwards. “I like to take my coffee once in a while! It’s a clear penalty and a red card [on Konsa]. Do you have any doubts about that, or is it only me who was at the game?”
The coach later softened his tone, acknowledging the sarcastic nature of his comments.
“I am sorry for my sarcasm,” he said, “but if I say this kind of thing seriously, they punish me. So I am joking.”
The draw leaves both Ghana and England level on four points at the top of Group L heading into their final group-stage fixtures.
England will face Panama, while Ghana prepare for a decisive clash with Croatia as qualification for the knockout stage hangs in the balance.