FIFA has appointed experienced Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to officiate the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain.
The world football governing body confirmed the appointment in a statement posted on its official X account on Monday, announcing the match officials for Match 101 of the tournament.
The blockbuster encounter will take place at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, 14 July, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT.
According to FIFA, Barton will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran as Assistant Referee One, while Argentina’s Antonio Pupiro will serve as Assistant Referee Two.
Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg has been appointed as the fourth official, with compatriot Mahbod Beigi serving as the reserve assistant referee.
The appointment places Barton in charge of one of the biggest matches of the tournament, as two European heavyweights compete for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
France chasing another final
France reached the semi-finals after another impressive campaign built on defensive discipline and attacking quality.
Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus are aiming to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup final, having won the tournament in 2018 before finishing runners-up in 2022.
Victory over Spain would also secure France’s record-extending fifth World Cup final appearance, following previous appearances in 1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022.
Spain seek return to the summit
Spain have been among the standout teams of the tournament, impressing with their possession-based football, youthful squad and clinical finishing.
Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of the stars of the competition as La Roja chase their second FIFA World Cup title.
Spain won their only World Cup crown in 2010 after defeating the Netherlands in the final and are hoping to reach the championship match for the first time in 16 years.
Historic rivalry renewed
Tuesday’s clash will renew one of Europe’s fiercest football rivalries.
The two nations have met only once previously at the FIFA World Cup, when France came from behind to defeat Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2006 tournament.
More recently, Spain defeated France 2-1 in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final before going on to win the European Championship.
With a place in the World Cup final at stake, the encounter is expected to deliver a fascinating contest between France’s tournament experience and Spain’s exciting new generation.
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