FIFA has announced that American referee Ismail Elfath will officiate England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, a decision that has delighted many fans. Elfath, 44, has taken charge of three matches at the 2026 tournament, including Japan vs Netherlands, Uruguay vs Spain, and Brazil vs Norway.
Elfath's Tournament Record
Elfath has overseen action-packed games in North America. In the last-16 clash between Brazil and Norway, he awarded two penalties to Brazil, with Bruno Guimaraes missing the first before Neymar scored the second late on. However, no favouritism toward South American nations was evident when he sent off Agustin Canobbio in stoppage time as Marcelo Bielsa's side lost to Spain in the group stage.
The American official has never refereed an England match before, but he did oversee a game involving Argentina—a goalless draw with Colombia in 2018. His assistant referees, Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, also hail from the host country USA, while Italians Maurizio Mariani and Daniele Bindoni complete the officials' lineup.
Other Semi-Final Officials
In Tuesday's semi-final between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton will be the man in charge. Barton has officiated three games at the tournament, including Turkey's clash with Paraguay, where he sent off Miguel Almiron for covering his mouth during a confrontation with Mert Muldur.
With Barton taking charge of that match and Elfath overseeing England vs Argentina, the possibility of Iranian referee Alireza Faghani being appointed for the final has increased. FIFA has aimed to maintain neutrality regarding referees' national allegiances, typically ensuring the referee is from a different confederation than the competing teams. If England face a fellow UEFA nation in the final (France or Spain), Faghani's chances improve.
Remaining Referees and Fan Favourites
The official list of referees still in the tournament includes: Alireza Faghani, Adham Makhadmeh, and Jalal Jayed (AFC); Ivan Barton and Ismail Elfath (CONCACAF); Jesus Valenzuela and Wilton Sampaio (CONMEBOL); and Espen Eskas, Szymon Marciniak, Maurizio Mariani, Glenn Nyberg, Joao Pinheiro, and Slavko Vincic (UEFA).
Faghani earned acclaim from football fans on social media for his handling of England's thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca, leading many to call for him to be awarded the final. He made several huge calls, awarding two penalties and correctly sending off England's Jarrell Quansah.
Tuchel's Criticism
England boss Thomas Tuchel is unlikely to be pleased if Faghani lines up for the final, as he was furious with VAR decisions in the Mexico match. Tuchel fumed that Faghani's officiating was 'not good enough' and hinted at bias from South American VAR officials. 'Just not good enough. The referees just aren't good enough, fourth officials just not good enough. It's the bottom line,' he said. 'Did I see that right? Three people on the VAR from South America, a match like this? I could be wrong, if this is correct.'
Tuchel's men aim to end 60 years of hurt by reaching their first World Cup final since 1966. Should England beat Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final, they will face either France or Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, July 19.
