Ismail Elfath to referee Uruguay v Spain | OneFootball

Ismail Elfath has been appointed to take charge of Uruguay v Spain in Guadalajara on 26 June, the final Group H fixture at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The result will shape qualification for the last 32.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, Spain need only a draw to reach the last 32, having four points from a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and a draw with Cape Verde. Uruguay have two points from two draws and must win to avoid relying on other results, aiming to progress as one of the best third-placed sides, although a low tally could hinder them.

This will be Elfath’s second match of the tournament after overseeing Netherlands v Japan, which finished 2-2, where he showed composure in an intense game.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco, in March 1982, Elfath emigrated to the United States, naturalised, and lives in Austin, Texas. He is one of eight referees from the US Soccer Federation selected for this tournament, a historic milestone for North American refereeing.

He was fourth official for the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, and refereed the MLS Cup 2022 final and the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup final between Toluca and Tigres. He also officiated at the Under-20 World Cup in Poland and the 2013 USL final. A FIFA referee since 2016, he works as an IT consultant.

Elfath will be assisted by compatriots Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins. Costa Ricans Juan Calderón, the fourth official, and Juan Carlos Mora, the reserve assistant, complete the team.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo