Iván Barton to referee France v Spain World Cup semi-final in Dallas | OneFootball

According to Coluna Do Fla, Salvadoran referee Iván Barton will take charge of France v Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, with kick-off at 16:00 Brasília time as the sides compete for a place in the World Cup final.

Born in Santa Ana, El Salvador, Barton is 35 and holds a degree in Chemical Sciences from the University of El Salvador. He left work in chemistry to focus fully on refereeing and an intensive international schedule.

On the FIFA list since 2018, his assignments include Brazil v Germany at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and Brazil v Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup. He has also officiated in the Saudi Pro League.

At the 2025 Club World Cup he oversaw Flamengo’s 3-1 group win against Chelsea, with goals from Bruno Henrique, Danilo and Wallace Yan.

His name has stood out at this World Cup for strict application of the so-called Protocolo Vinicius Jr. He dismissed Paraguay’s attacking midfielder Almirón against Türkiye after video review showed the player covering his mouth during a confrontation.

The International Football Association Board has approved this directive, which allows red cards for players who hide their mouth while speaking to opponents. The informal label emerged after racist incidents in football.

Spain, champions in 2010, are chasing only their second final. France are aiming for a fifth World Cup final and a third title.

Source: Coluna Do Fla