FIFA Appoints US Referee to Officiate England vs Argentina World Cup Semi-Final

• FIFA has appointed American referee to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium.

FIFA has appointed American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.

The world football governing body announced on Tuesday that Elfath will oversee Match 102, scheduled to take place on July 15 at Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m. EDT.

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

The appointment places one of FIFA’s most experienced officials in charge of one of the biggest matches of the tournament as Lionel Messi’s Argentina look to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022.

Argentina booked their place in the last four after defeating Cape Verde (3-2) in the Round of 32, Egypt (3-2) in the Round of 16 and Switzerland (3-1) in the quarter-finals.

England also enjoyed an impressive run to the semi-finals, beating DR Congo (2-1), Mexico (3-2) and Norway (2-1) to set up a blockbuster clash with the reigning world champions.

The encounter revives one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, famously remembered for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and his stunning “Goal of the Century” during Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

Elfath, who officiated matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, is regarded as one of Major League Soccer’s top referees and has handled several major international tournaments.

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