England vs. Argentina referee: Who are match officials and VAR for World Cup semifinal?
England vs. Argentina referee: Who are match officials and VAR for World Cup semifinal? originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The referee situation for England and Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semifinal match is far from ordinary.
The two countries have a political history with each other that may be able to affect matchday protocols, including who can blow the whistle. Due to the Falklands War in 1982, an English referee is not allowed to officiate matches involving Argentina.
Wednesday’s match is an important one that has repercussions, so FIFA will attempt everything in its power to make sure there is little to no controversy that comes out of this semifinal. England are looking to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina is vying to become the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962.
Here’s the rundown on who the referee staff for England vs. Argentina features.
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England vs. Argentina referee: Match officials and VAR
The following officials will oversee the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina:
- Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)
- Assistant referees: Corey Parker (USA), Kyle Atkins (USA)
- 4th official: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
- Reserve AR: Daniele Bindoni (Italy)
- VAR: TBD
- Assistant VARs: TBD
Who is referee Ismail Elfath?
American referee Ismail Elfath will serve as the referee for the semifinal match between England and Argentina.
Elfath has been a FIFA referee since 2016 and served as the fourth referee during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final win over France. 2022 served as Elfath’s first World Cup, debuting in a match between Portugal and Ghana and serving as the referee for a knockout stage match between Japan and Croatia.
In 2026, Elfath served as the referee for Japan vs. Netherlands, Uruguay vs. Spain and Brazil vs. Norway (Round of 16).
Born in Morocco, Elfath came over to the United States in at age 18 and later became a U.S. citizen. He has been an MLS referee since 2012.
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Why is the England vs. Argentina referee crew controversial?
The main reason that the refereeing situation for Wednesday’s semifinal match is controversial lies in a history textbook. In 1982, England and Argentina fought for control over the Falkland Islands, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.
The islands, which sit around 300 miles away from South America, were first in Argentine custody in the early 19th century before England took control in 1833. The rule stayed that way until 1982, when Lieut. Gen. Leopoldo Galtieri led an Argentinian military junta to seize control.
The two countries fought in the undeclared war for 74 days after Argentina surrendered on June 14. The British were able to set up a blockade around Stanley, the Falkland Islands’ capital, which also served as the main port, that prohibited supplies from reaching the Argentinians. Control was given back to the British after the war.
With the war in the picture, this means English referees are not allowed to work matches that Argentina plays in. Referees are not allowed to officiate in games played by their own countries or teams with which they have strong regional ties or a conflict of interest.
Another reason for the recent outcry has been the success Argentina has had when Elfath officiates Messi’s matches. At the 2022 World Cup final, Elfath was the fourth official when Argentina won in a penalty shootout over France, thanks to two Messi goals.
He was also the referee when Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup, a match that also featured Messi scoring prior to his team’s penalty shootout win over Nashville SC. Additionally, Elfath has also refereed three other MLS wins for Messi.
