FIFA has confirmed that Ivan Barton will officiate the World Cup semi-final between Spain and France on Tuesday in Dallas, a decision that has divided fans on social media. The 35-year-old referee from El Salvador has taken charge of three matches at the 2026 tournament, including a group-stage game between Paraguay and Turkiye that drew attention for his strict officiating.
Barton's World Cup Record
Barton refereed two group-stage matches and the last-16 clash between Switzerland and Colombia, which ended in a penalty shootout. In the Paraguay vs Turkiye match, he issued two yellow cards and one red card, sending off Paraguay's Miguel Almiron after the former Newcastle star covered his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
During ITV's coverage, ex-Premier League striker Jobi McAnuff joked: "I think he was trying to get the man of the match award." Former Chelsea and Manchester United star Juan Mata added: "You get the feeling that he loves being in that position. If he was carrying a GPS, then he would reach high speed because he was running everywhere."
Fan Reactions Divided
Some fans welcomed the appointment. One wrote: "Spain-France World Cup semi-final refereed by Ivan Barton will be pure cinema." Another said: "Spectacular stuff with the Salvadoran Ivan Barton refereeing the France-Spain semi. Great news." A third fan stated: "For once, hats off to you, FIFA. Gonna be magical," while another declared: "I'm being 100% serious that the addition of Ivan Barton moves Spain vs. France from a must watch World Cup semifinal to the most important televised event of the century."
However, critics voiced concerns. One fan asked: "How in the world has Ivan Barton achieved a World Cup semi-final?" Another warned: "Someone is definitely getting sent off this game."
Upcoming Semi-Finals
The other semi-final will see England face Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta. Both winners will advance to Sunday's final in New Jersey. France reached the semi-final with a 2-0 win over Morocco, while Spain beat Belgium in the quarter-finals.
