The highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 clash between England and Argentina will be officiated by experienced American referee Ismail Elfath. The match brings together two of international football’s most successful nations and is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.
As with every major World Cup fixture, FIFA has appointed a carefully selected team of match officials to oversee the game and ensure that it is conducted according to the Laws of the Game.
England vs Argentina Match Details
| Match | England vs Argentina |
|---|---|
| Competition | FIFA World Cup 2026 |
| Date | July 15, 2026 |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Kick-off Time | 3:00 p.m. UTC-4 |
| Referee | Ismail Elfath (United States) |
Who Is the Referee for England vs Argentina?
The referee for England vs Argentina is Ismail Elfath of the United States.
Elfath is one of the most respected officials in North American football and has extensive experience in major international tournaments. Over the years, he has officiated FIFA World Cup matches, CONCACAF competitions, and high-profile Major League Soccer fixtures.
Known for his strong game management, clear communication, and consistent decision-making, Elfath has established himself as one of FIFA’s trusted referees for important international matches.
Full Match Officials for England vs Argentina
FIFA has appointed the following officiating team for the match:
| Role | Official | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Referee | Ismail Elfath | United States |
| Assistant Referee | Corey Parker | United States |
| Assistant Referee | Kyle Atkins | United States |
| Fourth Official | Maurizio Mariani | Italy |
| Reserve Assistant Referee | Daniele Bindoni | Italy |
Assistant Referees
Supporting Ismail Elfath on the touchlines will be Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, both representing the United States. Their responsibilities include monitoring offside decisions, assisting with fouls near the sidelines, and helping ensure the smooth flow of play.
Accurate teamwork between the referee and assistant referees is especially important in matches featuring elite teams such as England and Argentina, where small decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome.
Fourth Official and Reserve Assistant Referee
Italian official Maurizio Mariani has been assigned as the fourth official. He will oversee technical areas, manage substitutions, and assist with administrative duties throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Daniele Bindoni of Italy will serve as the reserve assistant referee, ready to step in if needed.
A High-Profile World Cup Assignment
England and Argentina share one of football’s most talked-about international rivalries, making this a challenging assignment for the officiating crew. FIFA typically selects experienced officials for matches of this magnitude, and the appointment of Ismail Elfath reflects the importance of the occasion.
With a place in the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at stake, fans can expect an intense contest in Atlanta as England and Argentina battle for a crucial result under the watch of an experienced team of match officials.
England vs Argentina Match Officials at a Glance
- Referee: Ismail Elfath (United States)
- Assistant Referee 1: Corey Parker (United States)
- Assistant Referee 2: Kyle Atkins (United States)
- Fourth Official: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
- Reserve Assistant Referee: Daniele Bindoni (Italy)
The match will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 15, 2026, with Ismail Elfath leading the officiating team for this major FIFA World Cup encounter.