England vs Argentina referee: Who is Ismail Elfath?
Everything you need to know about England vs Argentina referee Ismail Elfath, including his background, World Cup record and previous big-match experience
England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina will be overseen by the experienced American referee Ismail Elfath, with FIFA entrusting the 44-year-old to be the man in the middle for Wednesday’s blockbuster clash in Atlanta between two fierce international rivals.
With a place in Sunday’s World Cup final at stake, FIFA has turned to one of its most trusted officials, handing Elfath one of the biggest appointments of his career.
Here, we take a look at who is Ismail Elfath, what is his refereeing background, and which matches has he taken charge of at the 2026 World Cup so far.
Who is Ismail Elfath?
Although he now represents the United States, Elfath was born in Morocco before moving to America in 2001 after winning a diversity visa lottery at the age of 18.
Now based in Texas, he initially pursued a career in information technology while developing as a football referee. His rise through the ranks has been rapid, becoming a FIFA-listed official in 2016 before establishing himself as one of the leading referees in Major League Soccer.
Elfath has twice been named MLS Referee of the Year, winning the award in both 2020 and 2022, and has regularly been selected for some of the biggest fixtures in North American football.
Earlier this year, he officiated the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup final between Toluca and Tigres, having previously taken charge of the 2022 MLS Cup final between Philadelphia Union and Los Angeles FC.
His reputation also earned him a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he served as the fourth official during the unforgettable final between Argentina and France which ended 3-3 after extra time before a penalty shootout sent the trophy in Lionel Messi‘s direction.
Which matches has Ismail Elfath refereed at the 2026 World Cup?
Wednesday’s semi-final will be Elfath’s fourth match of the tournament, where he has become one of the most prominent officials.
His first assignment came in the group stage in the entertaining 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan, where he handed out three yellow cards to the Dutch side.
He then took charge of Spain’s narrow 1-0 victory over Uruguay, producing four yellow cards and a late red card for Agustín Canobbio during a heated contest.
His most high-profile appointment so far came in the Round of 16, where Norway shocked Brazil 2-1 with two goals from Erling Haaland. Elfath awarded Brazil two penalties – one missed by Bruno Guimaraes and another converted by Neymar – while issuing just one yellow card throughout the match.
The England versus Argentina clash will be the second time he has officiated the South Americans at a World Cup after serving as fourth official in their victorious 2022 final against France.
Who are the assistant referees?
Elfath will be supported by an experienced officiating team.
Fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins have been appointed as assistant referees, while Italian official Maurizio Mariani will serve as the fourth official.
Another Italian, Daniele Bindoni, has been named reserve assistant referee.
When do England play Argentina?
England face Argentina in the second World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, July 15, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium).
It will be the first meeting between the nations since an international friendly in November 2005, with the winners progressing to Sunday’s World Cup final, where the winner of the France vs Spain semi-final await.
