Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has questioned the effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system after his side’s goalless draw with England in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Black Stars collected an important point from the match at Gillette Stadium, moving to four points from their opening two fixtures and strengthening their chances of reaching the knockout phase of the tournament.
However, despite the positive outcome, the Ghana coach expressed frustration over what he believed was a clear penalty that should have been awarded to his side late in the contest.
The incident occurred in the 78th minute when Ghana forward Prince Kwabena Adu went to ground inside the penalty area following a challenge from England defender Ezri Konsa. Referee Said Martinez of Honduras allowed play to continue, dismissing appeals from Ghanaian players.
No penalty was awarded, and the decision became a major talking point after the final whistle.
Speaking following the match, Queiroz openly questioned whether the VAR system had properly reviewed the incident and suggested Ghana had been denied a legitimate opportunity to take the lead.
“I’m not sure VAR is still working at the World Cup. Do we still have VAR working?” Queiroz said.
The Portuguese coach’s remarks reflected his disappointment over the decision in a match where scoring opportunities were limited and a single goal could have proven decisive.
Queiroz went on to suggest that the technology had failed to assist match officials in what he considered a clear case for intervention.
“I have some doubts about that because another penalty they need to give to Ghana. Once again, VAR went for a coffee,” he added.
The comments are likely to fuel discussion surrounding the role of video review technology during the tournament, particularly in matches where key decisions can significantly influence the outcome.
Despite his frustration, Ghana emerged from the game with a valuable result against an England side that controlled large portions of possession. The Black Stars, however, remained organised defensively and succeeded in preventing their opponents from finding a breakthrough.
The draw ensured Ghana maintained its unbeaten start to the competition while also preserving an impressive defensive record.
With four points collected from two matches, the Black Stars are now in a favourable position heading into the final round of Group L fixtures.
The result leaves qualification for the knockout stages firmly within Ghana’s grasp, although the team still has work to do before securing its place in the next round.
Attention will now turn to Ghana’s final group-stage encounter against Croatia on 27 June. A positive result in that match could be enough to guarantee progression from the group and continue the Black Stars’ World Cup campaign.
For Queiroz, however, the immediate focus after the England match was the controversial penalty incident and the role of VAR in reviewing such moments.
While the draw represented another encouraging result for Ghana, the coach’s post-match comments highlighted a sense of frustration that his side may have left the field without the victory he believed they deserved.
The debate over the decision is likely to continue in the days ahead as Ghana prepares for a crucial showdown with Croatia, knowing that its World Cup future remains firmly in its own hands.
