The qualification path for the 2026 World Cup has intensified with the announcement of a 170-member officiating panel, including referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials. This list has drawn significant attention, particularly in Africa, where five well-regarded FIFA-badged referees have been notably absent. Their exclusion is understood to stem from officiating controversies that marred the AFCON 2025 tournament, prompting an examination of the referees, their contentious decisions, and the questionable calls that ultimately cost them a place in the World Cup.
Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala (DR Congo): Morocco and Senegal
A veteran of four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Ndala's absence from the World Cup list has been a major talking point. He officiated four matches in the recent AFCON, including three that featured the host nation, Morocco. During these matches, he awarded a tournament-high three penalties. His officiating in the Morocco-Senegal final was particularly criticized; he disallowed an Ismaila Sarr second-half goal prematurely, before it crossed the line, preventing VAR review. Later in the same match, he awarded Morocco a late penalty and did not penalize Senegal for a 15-minute on-field protest, actions that have drawn ridicule to the tournament's reputation.
Issa Sy (Senegal): Nigeria vs Algeria
The Senegalese referee faced strong criticism from both Nigeria and Algeria for his handling of their quarter-final encounter. Sy was accused of failing to consult VAR for a potential early penalty for Algeria and issued several yellow cards indiscriminately to the Algerian team. Furthermore, he disallowed a goal by Nigeria's Calvin Bassey, despite VAR intervention, citing a lack of goal-line technology. Sy, a FIFA referee since 2015, also recently faced media backlash for appearing to intimidate a player during a CAF Champions League match by showing a red card without apparent justification. This pattern of behaviour may have contributed to his exclusion from the 2026 World Cup officiating roster.
Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana): Morocco vs Nigeria
The Ghanaian referee's performance came under intense scrutiny, leading to a widespread campaign that resulted in the takedown of his Instagram account. While the widely discussed 'towelgate' incident originated during this match, Laryea's perceived on-field bias was more impactful. No Moroccan player received a caution despite committing 22 fouls, while Nigerian player Bassey was booked for a questionable foul. Laryea was noted for repeatedly stopping play for fouls, hindering Nigeria's rhythm, yet allowing Morocco to maintain possession and continue play. Upon his return to Ghana, Laryea acknowledged the semi-final, his first in that stage, as his most challenging match. He was subsequently assigned to Confederations Cup matches, which has led to his non- selection for the 2026 World Cup.
Boubou Traoré (Mali): Morocco vs. Tanzania
In the round of 16 tie between Morocco and Tanzania, Traoré denied the Tanzanian team a potential penalty in the closing moments of the match. He subsequently failed to use VAR to review what was widely considered a clear error, drawing strong objections from the Tanzanian team officials. The 37-year-old Malian referee was reportedly sent home by CAF following this incident. He has not officiated any major continental matches since, and this FIFA World Cup omission marks a significant setback in his career.
Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon): Morocco vs Mali
Recognized as the youngest referee at AFCON '25 at 29 years old, Mefire awarded two penalties in the match between Morocco and Mali, one for each team, both of which were considered soft calls. He was reportedly deemed too inexperienced for the tournament's level and was sent home by CAF for "performances deemed unsatisfactory." More recently, he allegedly required security escort after questionable decisions in a CAF Champions League fixture. This collection of officiating issues, coupled with his exclusion from the 2026 World Cup, represents a considerable challenge for the young referee's professional development.
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