Referee Ismail Elfath appointed for England-Argentina World Cup semifinal

U.S. referee Ismail Elfath, a Moroccan‑born official who has worked three matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was selected by FIFA to lead the England‑Argentina semifinal in Atlanta. He will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, with Italians Maurizio Mariani and Daniele Bindoni as fourth official and reserve. Elfath entered the tournament with a record of 69 expulsions and 1,032 yellow cards in 268 matches, and he previously officiated the Netherlands‑Japan group game, Spain‑Uruguay, and Norway‑Brazil knockout.

FIFA also imposed a ban on any Malvinas (Falklands)‑related banners or signs in the stadium to avoid political controversy. The match, played on 14 July 2026, featured 26 fouls and four yellow cards, but no VAR intervention. Argentina won, securing a place in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Elfath’s appointment follows his role as fourth‑official in the 2022 Qatar final and his experience in MLS, CONCACAF Gold Cup and the Tokyo Olympics.