World Cup: FIFA appoints US referee to officiate England, Argentina semi-final
FIFA has officially appointed experienced American referee *Ismail Elfath* to officiate the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final clash between England 🏴 and Argentina 🇦🇷.
The blockbusting encounter is scheduled to take place at the **Atlanta Stadium** in Georgia, with kickoff set for **Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 8:00 PM WAT**.
Elfath’s appointment for this high-stakes, historically charged rivalry highlights FIFA's supreme confidence in his ability to handle extreme pressure. The 44-year-old Moroccan-American official has already refereed three major matches at this World Cup:
*Spain 1-0 Uruguay* (Group Stage) — *where he showcased his authority by handing a red card to Uruguay's Agustín Canobbio for a dangerous challenge*
*Norway 1-2 Brazil* (Round of 16) — *a dramatic encounter that featured two massive VAR-assisted penalty decisions, demonstrating his composure under intense scrutiny*.
Both teams have endured grueling campaigns to reach the final four of the tournament:
| Country | Quarter-Final Result | Key Highlights |
| *England* 🏴 | *2-1 Win* vs. Norway (AET) | Jude Bellingham scored a stunning brace, including an extra-time winner in the 93rd minute to seal the semi-final berth. |
| *Argentina* 🇦🇷 | *Qualified* | Reached the final four following a commanding display in the knockout stages. |
*Fixture:* England vs. Argentina (World Cup Semi-Final)
*Date:* Wednesday, July 15, 2026
*Kickoff Time:* 8:00 PM WAT (Local Time)
*Venue:* Atlanta Stadium, Georgia
*Main Referee:* Ismail Elfath (USA)
With millions of fans tuning in globally, Elfath's officiating team will be under the microscope as they attempt to keep the peace in one of football's most famously intense international fixtures.
