Elfath to Officiate England vs Argentina World Cup Semifinal

FIFA has officially named American referee Ismail Elfath to take charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal clash between England and Argentina, setting the stage for one of the most electrifying fixtures of the tournament.

The announcement came on 13 July 2026, just two days ahead of the high-stakes showdown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, scheduled for kick-off at 21:00 CET on 15 July.

Elfath, a seasoned official from the United States, will be flanked by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, who will serve as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively. Italian match official Maurizio Mariani has been appointed fourth official, with Daniele Bindoni, also from Italy, acting as reserve assistant referee.

This all-American officiating crew marks a significant moment in the 2026 World Cup, with Elfath, Parker, and Atkins forming part of a record eight U.S. Soccer referees selected for the tournament—tying the United States with the highest number of officials from any nation at this edition.

The semifinal between England and Argentina is already shaping up as one of the most anticipated games of the competition. Both sides have navigated their way through tough knockout rounds to reach the last four, bringing a potent mix of pedigree, passion, and star power to the pitch.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue in Atlanta, will host the marquee encounter as part of the joint-hosted tournament by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With preparations now complete, FIFA’s appointment of the officiating team ensures that the stage is set for a flawless delivery of one of the biggest matches in football’s global showcase.

The victor will advance to face the winner of the other semifinal in the final, which promises to be a historic moment for world football.