FIFA World Cup: Meet Ismail Elfath, referee for England-Argentina semifinal

A Career Spanning Two Continents and Multiple Leagues

Ismail Elfath's journey to becoming a FIFA World Cup referee is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Elfath migrated to the United States in 2001 at the age of 17. He secured a visa under the US Diversity Visa Program, commonly known as the 'diversity lottery.' After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas, Elfath became a naturalized US citizen and resides in Austin, Texas.

Elfath's foray into refereeing was accidental, as he started out as a player, featuring as a striker for amateur team Austin Lightning in USL League Two. Poor refereeing decisions during his playing time prompted him to pick up the whistle himself. 'I was a hot-headed player,' Elfath said in an interview with the Austin Chronicle newspaper in 2022. 'I always complained to the guy that ran the league, and then one day he was like, 'Man, you always complain, you should just become a referee.''

After attending a refereeing clinic, Elfath picked up officiating shifts in youth games, high schools, and semi-pro leagues. He worked a full-time job in IT sales while refereeing. Finally, Elfath made the jump to the US's top-flight Major League Soccer (MLS) as a fourth official in 2011 before becoming a referee the following year. In 2016, he was officially listed as a FIFA referee.

From the Olympics and AFCON to the World Cup

Elfath has officiated matches in several high-profile tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021. He made his senior World Cup debut at Qatar 2022. 'I am the triple minority. Immigrant, of African descent, Muslim. I am the sole representative for the US, so it's a very humbling responsibility, but also one of those positions where you say, 'Anything is possible,''

he said at that time, reflecting on the opportunity to step up on the world stage. One of North America's top officials, Elfath officiated two group games and a knockout match at the 2022 World Cup and was a fourth official for the epic final in which Argentina defeated France on penalties.

A Record-Breaking World Cup Appearance

The 2026 edition marks Elfath's second World Cup appearance, and he is one of a record eight US football referees at the tournament. Across the three games he has officiated, Elfath issued seven yellow cards and one red – to Uruguay's Agustin Canobbio for a wild lunge on Pau Cubarsi. For the semifinal between England and Argentina, Elfath will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italy's Maurizio Mariani is the fourth official, and his compatriot Daniele Bindoni is the reserve assistant referee.