FIFA has appointed American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Wednesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and defending champions Argentina.
The world football governing body confirmed the appointment in a post on its official X account on Tuesday ahead of Match 102 at Atlanta Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT.
Elfath will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins.
Italian referee Maurizio Mariani has been named fourth official, while his compatriot Daniele Bindoni will serve as the reserve assistant referee.
The appointment puts the experienced MLS official in charge of one of the biggest matches of the tournament as Lionel Messi’s Argentina seek to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina reached the semi-finals 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 came through a demanding knockout route, beating DR Congo 2-1, Mexico 3-2 and Norway 2-1 to secure a place in the last four.
Wednesday’s encounter will renew one of football’s fiercest international rivalries, highlighted by the memorable 1986 World Cup quarter-final in which Diego Maradona scored both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England.
Elfath is among FIFA’s elite referees and previously officiated matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar as well as several major international competitions.
The winner of the semi-final will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while the defeated team will play in the third-place playoff.
