By Daily Review Online
FIFA has appointed American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, a fixture steeped in footballing history and political sensitivity.
Elfath, a FIFA-listed referee since 2016, will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy’s Maurizio Mariani will serve as the fourth official. Daniele Bindoni has been named reserve assistant referee, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team yet to be announced.
The appointment comes amid longstanding protocols that prevent English referees from officiating Argentina matches because of the historical tensions between the two nations following the 1982 Falklands War. FIFA’s conflict-of-interest guidelines also prohibit officials from handling matches involving their own countries or teams with which they have close political or regional ties.
Elfath is no stranger to the World Cup stage. He made his tournament debut in Qatar in 2022, officiating group-stage and knockout matches before serving as the fourth official in the World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France on penalties.
At this year’s tournament, the Morocco-born American has taken charge of Japan’s clash with the Netherlands, Uruguay’s meeting with Spain and Brazil’s Round of 16 victory over Norway.
Despite his experience, Elfath’s appointment has generated debate among some football fans because of Argentina’s positive record in high-profile matches involving Lionel Messi under his officiating. Elfath was the fourth official during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final triumph and also refereed Inter Miami’s 2023 Leagues Cup final victory, as well as several Major League Soccer matches won by Messi’s side.
England will be aiming to reach their first World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 1966, while defending champions Argentina are seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup title.