British BulletinBritish Bulletin
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech & Science
  • Travel
  • Spotlight
  • More
    • Press Release
What's On

Amy Hunt’s dreams come true after historic feat at European Athletics Championship

17 August 2026

Major motorway ‘to remain closed’ after horror smash involving car and THREE lorries

17 August 2026

Reform’s Danny Kruger slams ‘absolute abuse’ of system after millions sent warnings

17 August 2026

UK recession warning as soaring US debt threatens British economy

17 August 2026

Former Bolton footballer and family speak out about daughter’s death | Manchester News

17 August 2026
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Web Stories
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
British Bulletin
Subscribe
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech & Science
  • Travel
  • Spotlight
  • More
    • Press Release
British BulletinBritish Bulletin
Home » World Cup 2026: American Ismail Elfath to referee England v Argentina
Sports

World Cup 2026: American Ismail Elfath to referee England v Argentina

By britishbulletin.com14 July 20262 Mins Read
World Cup 2026: American Ismail Elfath to referee England v Argentina
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

Fifa has announced American referee Ismail Elfath will take charge of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina.

The 44-year-old officiated group games between Japan and the Netherlands and Uruguay versus Spain in the tournament, as well as Norway’s last-16 victory over five-time winners Brazil.

He has issued six yellow cards and shown Uruguay midfielder Agustin Canobbio a straight red card for a high challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsi.

After he was dismissed, Canobbio confronted the referee and grabbed his shirt.

The game in Atlanta on Wednesday (20:00 BST) will be shown live on BBC One.

Fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins will be assistant referees while Italian Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official.

Elfath also officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was the fourth official for the final between France and Argentina.

In a group game four years ago Elfath shook the hand of Vincent Aboubakar before sending off the Cameroon striker for taking his shirt off while celebrating the winner against Brazil.

Elfath has officiated in Major League Soccer since 2012 and has twice won MLS referee of the year.

He was referee when Lionel Messi won his first trophy for Inter Miami – a penalty shootout win over Nashville SC in the 2023 Leagues Cup final.

Originally from Morocco, Elfath moved to America as an 18-year-old after winning a US government-backed diversity visa lottery.

Meanwhile, England’s Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor have been ruled out of contention to referee the World Cup final because of Fifa regulations around conflict of interest.

Referees cannot take charge of matches involving their own country, but English and Argentine officials also cannot referee games involving the two nations because of their political rivalry, in part because of the Falklands conflict in 1982.

Argentine referee Facundo Tello is out of contention for the same reason, with all three officials also ineligible for the third-place play-off as it is guaranteed to involve one of the teams.

The regulations also ruled Taylor out of refereeing the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Keep Reading

Amy Hunt’s dreams come true after historic feat at European Athletics Championship

Amy Hunt: British sprint star enters stardom with quadruple gold at European Athletics Championships

Dutch Grand Prix in pictures as F1 prepares to say farewell to Zandvoort

Harry Brook: England player on batting, Test captaincy and Wellington

Cardiff City v Wrexham: Changing times as Welsh blockbuster awaits

European Athletics Championship: Jazz Sawyers takes long jump silver for Great Britain

Rodri: Watch midfielder’s defining Manchester City moments as move to Barcelona announced

Wafcon 2026 final: Cameroon 3-0 Malawi – Marie Ngah Manga helps Indomitable Lionesses to first title

The Hundred: What has the impact of new ownership been on the tournament?

Editors Picks

Major motorway ‘to remain closed’ after horror smash involving car and THREE lorries

17 August 2026

Reform’s Danny Kruger slams ‘absolute abuse’ of system after millions sent warnings

17 August 2026

UK recession warning as soaring US debt threatens British economy

17 August 2026

Former Bolton footballer and family speak out about daughter’s death | Manchester News

17 August 2026

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Brittan News and Updates directly to your inbox.

Latest News

Hayden Panettiere made heartbreaking custody revelation in final interview before her death

17 August 2026

Boy, 12, drowns in River Lea at Hackney Marshes | UK News

17 August 2026

Amy Hunt: British sprint star enters stardom with quadruple gold at European Athletics Championships

17 August 2026
Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest TikTok Instagram
© 2026 British Bulletin. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Advertise
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.