Ismail Elfath has been appointed referee for England’s World Cup semi-final in opposition to Argentina on Wednesday night time (8pm UK time) – information that’s unlikely to be welcomed within the Three Lions camp.
Elfath has overseen three video games within the event to date, together with the controversial conflict between Uruguay and Spain during which the South Individuals have been accused of attempting to tough up the European champions.
Uruguay have been handed simply two yellow playing cards earlier than the sport spilled over in damage time when Agustin Canobbio was dismissed for chopping down Pau Cubarsi. Cannobio then confronted Elfath earlier than leaving the sector as Uruguay went residence in shame.
Talking afterwards, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente stated: “It was not probably the most comfy kind of match, however that’s what referees are for. Refereeing may be very troublesome. I perceive that there are instruments, like VAR, that ought to assist. I hope to play regular matches any longer. I don’t wish to get into hassle and say something in regards to the referees.”
Norway angered by VAR name in recreation with Brazil
Elfath and his all-American staff have been additionally concerned in an ungainly second within the recreation between Brazil and Norway.
Brazil have been awarded a penalty when Kristoffer Ajer tripped Matheus Cunha inside the realm. Elfath waved play on initially however was requested to assessment his resolution by the VAR, Tatiana Guzman from Nicaragua. When he did, the tv replays failed to indicate an angle that confirmed Ajer received a small contact on the ball and the spot-kick was awarded. Bruno Guimaraes missed the following penalty.
Away from the controversy, Elfath’s quest to succeed in the highest of refereeing has a pleasant again story.
Having been born in Morocco, he moved to the USA as an 18-year-old after profitable a variety visa lottery. He graduated from the College of Texas with a level in mechanical engineering.
The 44-year-old took cost of his first Main League Soccer recreation in 2012 and joined the FIFA ranks 4 years later.
Elfath’s 2026 World Cup stats
June 14 – Netherlands 2-2 Japan (three yellow playing cards, no reds)
June 27 – Uruguay 0-1 Spain (4 yellow playing cards, one purple)
July 5 – Brazil 1-2 Norway (one yellow card, no reds)
England’s opponents Argentina have ridden their luck
England will hope for a trouble-free night in opposition to an Argentina facet whose earlier video games have been laced with controversy.
Lionel Messi averted a purple card for raking his studs down the heel of Algeria’s Aissa Mandi in Argentina’s opener. Messi was let off and went on to score a hat-trick in a 3-0 win with Algeria putting in an official complaint to FIFA.
One other North African staff felt laborious carried out to when Egypt had a aim disallowed in opposition to Argentina of their round-of-16 conflict. Their frustration was compounded when Mohamed Salah noticed a penalty shout dismissed shortly earlier than Enzo Fernandez scored the winner for the defending champions.
Within the quarter-finals, Argentina have been struggling to interrupt down Switzerland till Breel Embolo was sent-off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. Lionel Scaloni’s males went on to win 3-1 in extra-time.
When is England versus Argentina?
Date: July 15
Kick-off: 8pm UK time
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
