The only sanction of any kind which John Langenus had to issue in all his matches in charge during three World Cups was the dismissal of Germany's Hans Pesser in the 6th minute of extra time during a first round match in the 1938 competition against Switzerland in the Parc des Princes, Paris, France, on 4 June 1938. After 120 minutes of play, the scoreline remained 1–1, and had to be settled by a replay five days later, the Swiss triumphing 4–2 (though Langenus did not handle the decider).