Ismail Elfath named referee for Argentina-England World Cup semifinal
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 6:11 AM
Last updated Jul 15, 2026
Ismail Elfath has been appointed as the referee for the Argentina vs. England World Cup semifinal scheduled for Wednesday. His assignment has drawn criticism from English fans, who accuse FIFA of favoring Argentina, as Elfath has officiated five matches featuring Lionel Messi, all resulting in wins for him. Elfath will be joined by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins as assistants. This match will determine who progresses to face Spain in the final on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
- •Ismail Elfath has never overseen a loss or draw for Messi.
- •Elfath has officiated five matches involving Messi, all wins.
- •The semifinal is scheduled for Wednesday.
- •Argentina faces England for a spot in the final against Spain.
- •Elfath previously served as the fourth official in the last World Cup final.
- 6:30 AMYahoo Sports — England vs. Argentina referee: Who are match officials and VAR for World Cup semifinal?
- 6:11 AMYahoo Sports — England Fans Cry Foul Over Referee Named For Argentina World Cup Semifinal
"Major League Soccer referee Ismail Elfath has never overseen a Lionel Messi loss or draw.
"Here's the rundown on who the referee staff for England vs. Argentina features.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 15, 2026, 6:30 AMEngland vs. Argentina referee: Who are match officials and VAR for World Cup semifinal?
Here's the rundown on who the referee staff for England vs. Argentina features.
- Yahoo SportsJul 15, 2026, 6:11 AMEngland Fans Cry Foul Over Referee Named For Argentina World Cup Semifinal
Major League Soccer referee Ismail Elfath has never overseen a Lionel Messi loss or draw.
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