Elfath appointed for England-Argentina clash
Moroccan-born American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate the World Cup 2026 semi-final between England and Argentina on Wednesday. The 44-year-old, who was fourth official for the 2022 final, has previously refereed Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in MLS three times.
Match context
England reached the semi-finals by beating Norway 2-1 after extra time, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. Argentina defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. The winner faces Spain in the final.
England last won the World Cup in 1966, while Argentina are defending champions. The teams have not met in the World Cup since 2002, when David Beckham's penalty secured a 1-0 England win.
Officiating team
Elfath will be assisted by fellow Americans Kyle Atkins and Corey Parker. Italy's Maurizio Mariani is fourth official, with Daniele Bindoni as reserve assistant. Elfath moved to the US after winning a diversity visa lottery at age 18 and began refereeing after becoming frustrated with poor officiating in local games.
He has refereed four matches at this World Cup: Netherlands vs Japan, Uruguay vs Spain, and Norway's last-16 win over Brazil. Elfath has won MLS Referee of the Year twice, in 2020 and 2022.
