Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath appointed for Argentina vs. England World Cup semi-final

Tuesday 14 July 2026 - 19:33

By: Azzat Manal

Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath appointed for Argentina vs. England World Cup semi-final

FIFA has appointed Moroccan-American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, recognizing his consistent performances and growing reputation among the world's top match officials.

Elfath, 44, will be assisted by fellow American officials Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy's Maurizio Mariani has been named fourth official. Daniele Bindoni will serve as the reserve assistant referee.

The appointment marks Elfath's fourth match at the 2026 World Cup after overseeing several games earlier in the tournament. His performances have earned praise for maintaining control in high-pressure fixtures while applying the Laws of the Game consistently.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Elfath moved to the United States in 2001, where he completed his university studies in mechanical engineering before pursuing a career in football officiating. He began refereeing professionally in the early 2010s and became a FIFA-listed international referee in 2016.

Over the years, Elfath has established himself as one of North America's leading referees. He has officiated major international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and has handled numerous high-profile matches in Major League Soccer, the CONCACAF Champions Cup, and other international tournaments.

His career has also been marked by notable milestones, including officiating one of the earliest professional matches to feature the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the United States, reflecting his experience with modern officiating technologies.

The semi-final between Argentina and England is expected to attract global attention, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the World Cup final. Defending champions Argentina hope to reach a second consecutive final, while England are seeking their first appearance in the tournament's championship match since their historic triumph in 1966.

With millions of fans watching around the world, Elfath's appointment highlights FIFA's confidence in his ability to manage one of the competition's biggest and most demanding matches, reinforcing his status as one of international football's most respected referees.