Who is Ismail Elfath, the referee for England vs Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semifinal matchup?
Elfath will take charge of one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s most high-profile and politically charged semifinal matchups.
With only four matches remaining at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the tournament’s biggest showdowns is almost here. England and Argentina will meet in the semifinals, renewing one of international soccer’s fiercest rivalries.
Given the long and often heated history between the two nations, the matchup has been classified as a high-risk event both on and off the field. FIFA has responded by assigning one of its most experienced referees to oversee the game.
On Monday, 48 hours before kickoff, FIFA confirmed the officiating crews for both World Cup semifinal matches. American referee Ismail Elfath has been selected to take charge of the England vs. Argentina clash in Atlanta.
Elfath will be joined by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins as his assistant referees. Italy’s Maurizio Mariani will serve as the fourth official, while Daniele Bindoni has been appointed reserve assistant referee.
Elfath’s World Cup experience
Elfath has officiated three matches at the 2026 World Cup so far, including two group-stage games and one Round of 16 contest. Two of those matches were played in the United States, while the other took place in Mexico.
The American was the referee for the Netherlands vs. Japan group-stage match, Uruguay vs. Spain and Brazil’s Round of 16 defeat to Norway, a result that ended the five-time champions’ World Cup campaign.
For the other semifinal, between France and Spain, FIFA has appointed Salvadoran referee Iván Barton.
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