The referee for tonight's Uruguay vs Spain match is Ismael Elfath, an official from the United States.
If Uruguay can beat Spain in Mexico, they will win Group H to set up a round of 32 match in California. Perhaps crucially, they'd avoid world champions Argentina in the process.
Both Uruguay and Spain know what it's like to win major tournaments both globally and at the confederation level, but Marcelo Bielsa and his Uruguay team overtaking Spain would be a surprise outcome in the group. The match referee on duty might be relieved to see Luis Suarez in the VIP section rather than on the pitch. But who is it?
Referee appointment for Uruguay vs Spain
None of the teams in Group H has guaranteed progress or been eliminated so it's all on the line. The referee in the likely top spot decider is Ismail Elfath, a Morocco-born referee and US citizen who plies his trade in Major League Soccer.
Elfath has been reffing in MLS since 2012 and was added to FIFA's international list in 2016.
The 41-year-old made a belated start to this World Cup in the Netherlands' 5-1 win against Sweden in Group F. He booked three players, all of them Swedish representatives of England's top flight.
Oliver has refereed two FA Cup finals and a UEFA Super Cup, and is at his fourth major international tournament since a European Championship debut in 2021.
44-year-old Elfath has been appointed to a whole host of big matches in CONCACAF competition and on FIFA's dime.
His first World Cup was in 2022, when he was the referee for two matches in the group stage and one in the round of 16, as well as being named fourth official for the final in Qatar.
Elfath's first match at World Cup 2026 was the Group F draw between the Netherlands and Japan, during which he cautioned three Dutch players and none from Samurai Blue.
The 2026 MLS season is on a break for the World Cup. Elfath has officiated 10 matches, given 41 yellow cards, sent off three players and awarded three penalty kicks.
If you were undecided about which match to watch in Group F, maybe that will make up your mind.
Elfath will be assisted by fellow American officials Corey Park and Kyle Atkins, with Juan Gabriel Calderon from Costa Rica on fourth official duty.
