FIFA Confirms Match Officials Ahead of France

FIFA has officially confirmed the team of match officials for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, set to take place on Tuesday at Dallas Stadium in the United States.

The match will be refereed by Iván Barton of El Salvador, one of the most experienced officials from the CONCACAF region. Barton has already handled several matches at this year’s tournament and will now take charge of one of its biggest games. FIFA says the appointment reflects his strong performances throughout the competition.

At 35 years old, Barton is no stranger to major international tournaments. He has previously officiated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Olympic Games, and several high-profile international club competitions. His calm approach and consistency have earned him another important assignment on football’s biggest stage.

France booked their place in the semi-finals after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals, while Spain secured their spot with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Belgium. Both teams have impressed throughout the tournament, setting up what many expect to be one of the most exciting matches of the competition.

The winner of the France–Spain clash will advance to the FIFA World Cup final, where they will face either England or Argentina. The losing side will compete in the third-place playoff.

FIFA carefully selects match officials for each knockout match based on their performances, fitness, experience, and consistency during the tournament. The governing body aims to ensure that every game is officiated fairly and professionally.

With world-class players such as Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and others expected to feature, all eyes will be on both the players and the officials as football fans around the world look forward to a thrilling semi-final.

Kick-off is scheduled for Tuesday, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake.