FIFA Appoints American Referee Ismail Elfath For England vs Argentina World Cup Semi-Final

FIFA has appointed American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.

The world football governing body announced the appointment in a post on its official X account on Tuesday, confirming that Elfath will oversee Match 102 at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT.

Elfath will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy’s Maurizio Mariani will serve as the fourth official. Another Italian, Daniele Bindoni, has been named reserve assistant referee.

The appointment places one of FIFA’s most experienced match officials in charge of a high-profile encounter as defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, seek to book a place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

England, meanwhile, will be aiming to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, when they won the tournament on home soil.

Argentina progressed to the semi-finals after defeating Cape Verde 3-2 in the Round of 32, edging Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16 and overcoming Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals.

England also enjoyed a strong knockout run, beating DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32, Mexico 3-2 in the Round of 16 and Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals.

The semi-final is expected to reignite one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, dating back decades. One of the most memorable meetings came at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal before adding the “Goal of the Century” in Argentina’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over England.

Elfath, a highly regarded Major League Soccer referee and FIFA elite official, previously officiated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has handled several major international tournaments.

The winner of Wednesday’s clash will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while the losing side will play in the third-place playoff.