Who is England vs Argentina referee? Lionel Messi reunited with familiar face in semi-final | OneFootball

World Cup official has previously refereed Argentina stars who play for Inter Miami in MLS

England and Argentina go head to head tonight for a place in the final against Spain.

England sealed their spot in the semi-finals by beating Norway 2-1 on Saturday after extra time courtesy of a brace from the influential Jude Bellingham.

Reigning champions Argentina were also taken to extra time by 10-man Switzerland before goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured a 3-1 win for Lionel Scaloni’s side.

Argentina are looking to reach their second successive World Cup final, while England are aiming to progress past the last four for the first time since they lifted the World Cup for the first and only time on home soil in 1966.

England and Argentina have a long and chequered past but have not met in the World Cup since David Beckham’s famous penalty sealed a 1-0 group stage win in Japan in 2002 - redemption after his costly dismissal against the same opponents in France four years earlier.

Wednesday’s game is expected to be a feisty encounter, with no love lost between the two teams and a place in the World Cup final on the line.

Moroccan-born American national Ismail Elfath will take charge of proceedings between England and Argentina.

He will be assisted on Wednesday by fellow Americans Kyle Atkins and Corey Parker, with Italy’s Maurizio Mariani serving as the fourth official. Daniele Bindoni - also of Italy - will be the reserve assistant.

Elfath moved to America after winning a US government “diversity lottery ticket” as an 18-year-old.

After playing football locally in Austin, Texas, he took up refereeing after becoming frustrated with the standard of officiating.

Ismail Elfath has previously refereed Argentina and Inter Miami duo Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul in MLS

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Elfath has mainly officiated in Major League Soccer (MLS), but went to the the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and was the fourth official for the thrilling final between Argentina and France, which Argentina won on penalties.

Wednesday’s semi-final between England and Argentina will be the fourth game Elfath has taken charge of at this year’s World Cup.

Elfath was the referee for group-stage matches between the Netherlands and Japan, as well as Uruguay and Spain. He also took charge of Norway’s shock last-16 victory over Brazil.

The 44-year-old is considered one of the top officials in North America and has won MLS Referee of the Year twice, in 2020 and 2022.

According to the Press Association, Elfath has officiated Argentina talisman Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami - whose squad also includes Albiceleste midfielder Rodrigo De Paul - three times previously during the MLS’ regular season.

He was also the referee when Inter Miami won the 2023 Leagues Cup against Nashville SC.