Expert opinion: why was Jean-Jacques Ndala left out of the 2026 World Cup?

Expert opinion: why was Jean-Jacques Ndala left out of the 2026 World Cup?

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Expert opinion: why was Jean-Jacques Ndala left out of the 2026 World Cup?

Jean-Jacques Ndala/@CAF

Against all expectations, Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala was not included in the list of officials selected for the final phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place in North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

This is a real blow for someone widely regarded as Africa's top referee, who had set his sights on enhancing his CV with an appearance at football's biggest global event.

With a wealth of experience, the Congolese official has already refereed 31 CAF Champions League matches, as well as 10 games in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

To better understand the reasons behind his omission, Foot Africa reached out to former Tunisian referee Amine Barkallah, who offered a frank analysis.

It goes without saying that his disappointing performance in the final of the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Morocco and Senegal was decisive in his exclusion.In addition to his disputed technical decisions, he was also found lacking in his management of the crisis that erupted after the Senegalese national team decided to walk off the pitch—a situation he struggled to control.

For the governing body of African football, it is unacceptable for such an experienced referee to handle a major final in this manner.The CAF believes that Jean-Jacques Ndala bears some responsibility for the negative image projected during this major African football event.In summary, the Congolese referee is paying the price for his performance in that final, especially with expectations at their highest as the World Cup approaches.