Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz slams World Cup VAR for missed calls in England draw: ‘Went for coffee’

Carlos Queiroz is fed up.

After two potential red cards weren’t called in Ghana’s 0-0 draw with England on Tuesday, Queiroz, Ghana’s manager, slammed the VAR review system for the missed calls.

“I’m not sure VAR is still working in the World Cup. We still have VAR? It’s working?” Queiroz told reporters after the match. “I have some doubts about that because another penalty that they need to give to Ghana, a clear penalty against England [was missed].”

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz reacts to a play against England in a 0-0 draw. REUTERS

“Once again, VAR went for coffee. It’s natural, I would like to also take my coffees once in a while, but it was a clear penalty, red card,” he added.

The first instance of Queiroz’s frustration came after 66 minutes when England’s Jordan Pickford wasn’t penalized for a collision with Prince Adu. Postgame, Queiroz said Pickford “should have been sent off, no doubt about that”.

Prince Kwabena Adu of Ghana and Ezri Konsa of England battle for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match. Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock

With 12 minutes remaining in the match, Ezri Konsa tackled Adu and brought him down without cleanly taking the ball. Queiroz said it was a “clear penalty and red card” despite one not being called.

“I’m sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say these kind of things seriously they punish me, so I hope you understand that I’m joking,” Queiroz said of his coffee reference.

It was a mixed bag for Ghana play-wise, as its offense couldn’t muster anything but its defense bent but didn’t break while keeping England in check.

Ghana was significantly outshot and managed just two shot attempts compared to England’s 19, but still managed a draw.

While both teams won their opening matches, with Ghana downing Panama and England beating Croatia, neither can afford a loss in their final Group L match in order to clinch a spot in the knockout round.