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Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has delivered a blistering criticism of the officiating standards at the 2026 World Cup, claiming that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team must have been 'on a coffee break' during a decisive incident in their 0-0 draw with England. The experienced Portuguese manager was furious after what he described as a 'clear penalty and red card' were not awarded during the goalless encounter in Foxborough.

Frustrations flare after a resilient defensive effort

The 73-year-old tactician did not mince words in his post-match comments after watching his Ghana side hold England to a stalemate. Despite England dominating possession with an extraordinary 79 per cent – the highest possession rate for a team failing to score in a World Cup match in six decades – Queiroz maintained that the key moment of the match was mishandled by the officials. The controversy stemmed from a late tackle by Ezri Konsa on substitute Prince Adu, which went unpunished despite appeals from the Ghanaian players and bench.

Queiroz calls England 'very lucky' and questions VAR

Speaking to reporters after the match, a visibly exasperated Queiroz remarked: “I’m not sure if VAR is still functioning in this World Cup. Do we still have VAR? Is it working? I have serious doubts because there was another clear penalty that should have been given to Ghana against England.”

He continued, “We had our opportunities, and they were lucky – very lucky. Once again, VAR went for a coffee. It’s normal; I’d also like to take my coffee breaks sometimes. But it was definitely a penalty and a red card. Do you have any doubts about that? Those of you who watched the game, was it just me who saw it?”

He added with a touch of irony, “I apologise for my sarcasm, but if I speak seriously about these things, I get punished, so I hope you understand that I’m joking.”

Touchline altercation involving Bellingham

The controversy was not confined to the penalty incident. Queiroz was also involved in a heated exchange with England star Jude Bellingham during the break. The confrontation followed a strong challenge from the Real Madrid midfielder on Jerome Opoku, which infuriated the Ghana bench.

Explaining the situation, Queiroz said: “My intention was to tell him to calm down after that tackle. It could have been a second yellow card because he clearly went in with his foot on our player. I was concerned because my player wasn’t fully fit. He reacted badly, used some harsh words, and that’s how it all started.”

Bellingham later brushed off the clash, describing it as “nothing more than competitive spirit,” though Queiroz claimed the youngster used “a word that doesn’t belong in the book of life.”

Qualification battle heats up

The draw leaves both England and Ghana needing positive results in their final group games, although both remain in strong positions to reach the round of 32. England, having defeated Croatia 4-2 in their opening match, lead the group with four points. Ghana also sit on four points after narrowly beating Panama, with goal difference separating the two sides heading into a crucial final matchday.

England will aim to confirm qualification when they face Panama in East Rutherford on Saturday, while Ghana will meet Croatia in Philadelphia. Despite his frustration with the officiating, Queiroz expressed pride in his team’s spirit, stating: “They had more of the ball, but we fought harder, defended better, created our chances, and they had theirs at the end. I think they’re happy, and I’m happy too with the draw.”