Iván Barton and Ismail Elfath to Make History as Concacaf Referees Appointed to Both FIFA World Cup Semifinals

The Salvadoran Iván Barton will referee France vs Spain, and the american Ismail Elfath was appointed for Englad vs Argentina.

MIAMI – Concacaf referees Iván Barton and Ismail Elfath are set to make history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as match officials from the Confederation have been appointed to officiate both semifinal matches for the first time in tournament history.

Barton will referee the semifinal between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, while Elfath has been appointed to the match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15. The appointments will each mark the fourth match of the tournament for both referees.

Barton will also achieve two individual milestones. The Salvadoran will become the first Central American referee to officiate a FIFA World Cup semifinal and the youngest Concacaf referee ever appointed to a World Cup semifinal at 35 years, 5 months, and 17 days old.

Joining Barton on the officiating crew will be fellow Salvadoran David Morán and Nicaraguan Antonio Pupiro, who will serve as assistant referees. In the other semifinal, Elfath will be assisted by fellow U.S. officials Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins.

Concacaf President Victor Montagliani shared the following statement:

“The appointment of Concacaf match officials to both FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals is a historic moment and a source of immense pride for our Confederation.

It reflects the exceptional quality, professionalism, and dedication our referees have demonstrated throughout their preparation and the tournament. It also highlights the significant progress we have made in referee development across our region under the leadership of our reorganized Refereeing Department.

To be entrusted with two of the most important matches in world football is an extraordinary honor and a testament to the world-class standard our match officials have achieved.

On behalf of the entire Concacaf football family, I congratulate Iván, Ismail, and their assistant referees on this remarkable achievement, and I wish them every success. Their appointments are a source of inspiration for referees across our 41 Member Associations and further demonstrate the important contribution Concacaf continues to make to the global game.”