Ismail Elfath will oversee the World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina, taking place in Atlanta.
Originally from Morocco, Elfath moved to the United States at the age of 18 after winning a diversity visa lottery. He graduated from the University of Texas with a mechanical engineering degree in 2006.
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Elfath made his refereeing debut in Major League Soccer back in 2012 and became a FIFA-listed referee in 2016, going on to officiate at the U20 World Cup in 2019.
He officiated at the senior World Cup for the first time three years later in Qatar, including a round of 16 match between Japan and Croatia.
This semi-final will be his fourth match of the 2026 World Cup, where the 44-year-old has previously shown a red card to Uruguay’s Agustin Cannobio in the group stage against Spain. He also oversaw Norway’s victory over Brazil in the round of 16.
England and Argentina haven’t faced each other since a friendly match in Geneva in 2005. Their last World Cup knockout match occurred in 1998, when Argentina advanced after a penalty shootout.
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Match Officials for England vs. Argentina
Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)
Assistant Referees: Corey Parker & Kyle Atkins (USA)
Fourth Official: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)