FIFA has appointed Ismail Elfath to referee England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.
The Moroccan-born American will be assisted by Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, with Italy’s Maurizio Mariani as fourth official. It will be Elfath’s fourth match at this World Cup, but his first involving either semi-finalist at the tournament.
Elfath has crossed paths with Lionel Messi before. He was fourth official when Argentina beat France in the 2022 World Cup final and refereed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup final victory over Nashville SC in 2023, when Messi scored in open play and in the penalty shootout.
Claims that FIFA favours Argentina have circulated after Egypt had a goal disallowed against them and Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off in the next round. FIFA denies conspiring to help Argentina win the tournament.
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