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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Harry Latham-Coyle

Who is Ismail Elfath? England v Argentina referee for World Cup semi-final

Ismail Elfath World Cup Argentina England Morocco The United States

Ismail Elfath will take charge of the World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina in Atlanta.

Born in Morocco, Elfath moved to the United States as an 18-year-old after winning a diversity visa lottery, and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2006.

He made his refereeing debut in Major League Soccer in 2012 before becoming a Fifa-listed official in 2016, earning selection for the U20 World Cup in 2019.

Three years later, he made his bow at the senior tournament, whistling three fixtures in Qatar including the round of 16 clash between Japan and Croatia.

This semi-final will be his fourth fixture of the 2026 World Cup, with the 44-year-old having sent off Uruguay’s Agustin Cannobio during their group stage encounter with Spain. He also took charge of Norway’s win over Brazil in the round of 16.

England and Argentina have not met since a friendly in Geneva in 2005. Their last World Cup match was in 1998, with a round of 16 fixture settled on penalties as Argentina progressed.

Match officials for England v Argentina

Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)

Assistant referees: Corey Parker & Kyle Atkins (USA)

Fourth official: Maurizio Mariani (Ita)

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