FIFA Leaves AFCON Final Referee Out of 2026 World Cup List

World football governing body FIFA has left Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala off the officiating list for the 2026 World Cup, following controversy surrounding his handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

Ndala, who officiated the final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat, faced widespread criticism after the match, which Senegal won 1-0. The game was marked by confusion and disorder, particularly in its closing stages.

Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch during the match, yet Ndala did not signal full-time. When play resumed, he also declined to issue any yellow cards related to the incident, decisions that drew scrutiny from analysts and fans.

FIFA’s decision to omit Ndala from the World Cup referee roster is widely seen as a disciplinary measure, though the organization has not issued a detailed public explanation.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, took the additional step of stripping Senegal of their AFCON title in the aftermath of the incident. Senegal has challenged that ruling and has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), where the case is now pending.