FIFA has announced the match officials for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, appointing experienced Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to oversee the blockbuster clash.
The world football governing body confirmed the appointments on Monday via its official X account, stating, “The match officials for FIFA World Cup Match 101 have been appointed.”
Barton will lead the officiating team at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT. He will be supported by:
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Assistant Referee 1: David Moran (El Salvador)
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Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Pupiro (Argentina)
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Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
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Reserve Assistant Referee: Mahbod Beigi (Sweden)
This appointment places Barton at the center of one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures, as two European giants compete for a spot in the final.
France, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, are aiming to reach their third consecutive World Cup final, having lifted the trophy in 2018 and finished as runners-up in 2022.
A victory would mark a record-extending fifth World Cup final appearance for Les Bleus.
Spain, conversely, is looking to return to a World Cup final for the first time since their maiden title win in South Africa in 2010.
Guided by a new generation of talent, including standout star Lamine Yamal, the Spaniards have impressed with their clinical finishing and possession-based style.
The two nations share a storied rivalry.
Their only previous World Cup meeting saw France defeat Spain 3-1 in the 2006 Round of 16.
However, the match also serves as a high-stakes rematch of the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, where Spain secured a 2-1 victory over France before going on to claim the European title.
With both sides vying for a place in football history, the semi-final is set to be a compelling battle between French tournament experience and the youthful energy of the Spanish squad.
