In a surprising development, world football governing body FIFA has reportedly removed Jean-Jacques Ndala from the list of referees set to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ndala, widely regarded as one of Africa’s elite match officials, had built a strong reputation on the continental stage, most notably during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
At the tournament, he was entrusted with officiating both the opening match and the final—an indication of the high level of confidence placed in him.
His omission from the World Cup roster has therefore raised eyebrows within football circles, given his recent performances and standing within African refereeing.
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As of the time of filing this report, FIFA has not publicly disclosed the reasons behind the decision, leaving room for speculation among fans and analysts.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded format and a carefully selected pool of match officials from across the globe.
Ndala’s absence is expected to be a significant talking point, particularly within African football communities.