Ismail Elfath, an American-Moroccan referee, will officiate the World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina.

Context

This match is part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Elfath has already officiated three games.S1S2

Key points

• Elfath has officiated four matches at the 2026 World Cup.S1

• He previously refereed a match between Japan and the Netherlands.S1

• Elfath also oversaw Spain's victory against Uruguay.S2

• He officiated Norway's last-16 match against Brazil.S2

• The semifinal will take place at Atlanta Stadium.S1

• Elfath is 44 years old and has a Moroccan-American background.S1

• He has experience in high-stakes matches, including World Cup games.S2

• Elfath's officiating style has been noted for its decisiveness.S2

Why it matters

• The semifinal is a critical match in the World Cup, impacting national pride and team legacies.S1

• Elfath's experience may influence the match's officiating quality.S2

What to watch

• Monitor the performance of Elfath during the semifinal match.S1

• Watch for any controversial decisions that may arise during the game.S2