FIFA has appointed Moroccan-born American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Wednesday’s blockbuster World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina, a decision already attracting attention because of the official’s impressive record in matches involving Lionel Messi.
Elfath will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins in what will be the biggest assignment of his refereeing career.
The highly anticipated clash will see England attempt to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, while defending champions Argentina are chasing back-to-back titles.
The appointment has fuelled discussion among football fans because Messi has never lost a match officiated by Elfath since joining Major League Soccer in 2023.
The 44-year-old was the referee for Inter Miami’s League Cup final victory over Nashville SC shortly after Messi arrived in the United States and has overseen four matches involving the Argentine captain during his MLS career, all ending in victories for Messi’s side.
Elfath also served as the fourth official during Argentina’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar.
His appointment comes amid growing scrutiny over officiating in Argentina’s matches at the tournament.
Following Argentina’s 3-2 victory over Egypt earlier in the competition, questions were raised by some observers over refereeing decisions.
Those concerns intensified after Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the quarter-finals.
Swiss defender Manuel Akanji claimed “everything was against us” after striker Breel Embolo became the first player dismissed under FIFA’s new “mistaken identity” rule following a VAR review.
Elfath is also known for his strict disciplinary approach.
In just three matches at the 2026 World Cup, he has issued eight yellow cards and one red card, making him one of the tournament’s more card-happy referees.
Earlier in the competition, Spanish media criticised his handling of Spain’s encounter with Uruguay, arguing he allowed overly physical play despite sending off Uruguay midfielder Agustín Canobbio in stoppage time.
Wednesday’s semi-final is expected to be one of the most emotionally charged fixtures of the tournament, with England and Argentina renewing one of international football’s fiercest rivalries for a place in the World Cup final.
