World Cup 2026: FIFA Appoints Match Officials For France vs Spain Semi-Final
FIFA has confirmed the officiating team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, with Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton set to take charge of the blockbuster encounter.
The world football governing body announced the appointments on Monday, naming Barton as the centre referee for Match 101, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium.
Barton will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran as Assistant Referee 1, while Antonio Pupiro of Argentina has been appointed Assistant Referee 2. Sweden's Glenn Nyberg will serve as the fourth official, with compatriot Mahbod Beigi acting as reserve assistant referee.
The appointment hands Barton responsibility for one of the biggest matches of the tournament as two European heavyweights battle for a place in the World Cup final.
France secured a place in the last four after another impressive campaign, combining defensive discipline with attacking quality. Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus are targeting another appearance in the World Cup final after winning the title in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.
Spain have also impressed throughout the competition, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal emerging as one of the tournament's standout performers.
The 2010 world champions have showcased an exciting blend of possession football, youthful energy and clinical finishing as they chase a second World Cup crown.
Tuesday's showdown will renew one of Europe's most celebrated football rivalries, with the winners advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final while the defeated side heads into the third-place play-off.
France are aiming for a record-extending fifth World Cup final appearance, having reached the finals in 1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022, winning the tournament in 1998 and 2018. Victory over Spain would also send them into a third consecutive World Cup final.
Spain, meanwhile, are seeking only their second World Cup final appearance since lifting their maiden title in South Africa in 2010. A victory would end a 16-year wait to compete for football's biggest prize once again.
The two nations have met only once before at the FIFA World Cup, when France came from behind to defeat Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2006 tournament.
The semi-final also rekindles their recent rivalry after Spain defeated France 2-1 in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final on their way to winning the European Championship.
With a place in the World Cup final on the line, the clash promises to be a thrilling contest between France's experience on the biggest stage and Spain's exciting new generation.
The world football governing body announced the appointments on Monday, naming Barton as the centre referee for Match 101, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at Dallas Stadium.
Barton will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran as Assistant Referee 1, while Antonio Pupiro of Argentina has been appointed Assistant Referee 2. Sweden's Glenn Nyberg will serve as the fourth official, with compatriot Mahbod Beigi acting as reserve assistant referee.
The appointment hands Barton responsibility for one of the biggest matches of the tournament as two European heavyweights battle for a place in the World Cup final.
France secured a place in the last four after another impressive campaign, combining defensive discipline with attacking quality. Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus are targeting another appearance in the World Cup final after winning the title in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.
Spain have also impressed throughout the competition, with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal emerging as one of the tournament's standout performers.
The 2010 world champions have showcased an exciting blend of possession football, youthful energy and clinical finishing as they chase a second World Cup crown.
Tuesday's showdown will renew one of Europe's most celebrated football rivalries, with the winners advancing to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final while the defeated side heads into the third-place play-off.
France are aiming for a record-extending fifth World Cup final appearance, having reached the finals in 1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022, winning the tournament in 1998 and 2018. Victory over Spain would also send them into a third consecutive World Cup final.
Spain, meanwhile, are seeking only their second World Cup final appearance since lifting their maiden title in South Africa in 2010. A victory would end a 16-year wait to compete for football's biggest prize once again.
The two nations have met only once before at the FIFA World Cup, when France came from behind to defeat Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2006 tournament.
The semi-final also rekindles their recent rivalry after Spain defeated France 2-1 in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final on their way to winning the European Championship.
With a place in the World Cup final on the line, the clash promises to be a thrilling contest between France's experience on the biggest stage and Spain's exciting new generation.
