Ismail Elfath officiates first U.S.-led match at FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 is ongoing, with U.S. referees officiating matches for the first time. The U.S.-based crew, led by Ismail Elfath, called the Group F match between Netherlands and Japan, which ended in a 2-2 draw on June 14. Elfath, a veteran referee, has previously officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His crew included assistant referees Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, along with VAR Armando Villareal. The tournament features a total of eight U.S. referees, tying with other traditional football powers for the largest contingent.

• 1:18 AMYahoo Sports — Ismail Elfath Leads First U.S.-Based Referee Crew at FIFA World Cup 2026