FIFA has appointed experienced Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to officiate Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium.
The world football governing body confirmed the appointments in a post on its official X account on Monday.
It said: “The match officials for FIFA World Cup Match 101 have been appointed.”
According to FIFA, Barton will take charge of the highly anticipated last-four clash scheduled to kick off at 3:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, July 14.
He will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran as Assistant Referee 1, while Argentina’s Antonio Pupiro has been named Assistant Referee 2.
Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg will serve as the fourth official, with compatriot Mahbod Beigi appointed as the reserve assistant referee.
The appointment places Barton in charge of one of the biggest matches of the tournament as two European heavyweights battle for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
France secured their semi-final place after another impressive campaign built on defensive discipline and attacking quality.
Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus are chasing a record-extending fifth FIFA World Cup final appearance, having won the competition in 1998 and 2018 while finishing runners-up in 2006 and 2022.
Victory over Spain would also send France into a third consecutive World Cup final after reaching the title matches in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Spain, meanwhile, have emerged as one of the tournament’s standout teams, with teenage star Lamine Yamal playing a leading role in their impressive run.
The 2010 world champions are seeking only their second World Cup final appearance and will be aiming to end a 16-year wait for another opportunity to compete for football’s biggest prize.
Tuesday’s encounter will renew one of European football’s biggest rivalries.
The two countries have met only once previously at the FIFA World Cup, with France recovering from behind to defeat Spain 3-1 in the Round of 16 at Germany 2006.
The match also rekindles their recent rivalry after Spain’s 2-1 victory over France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, a result that propelled La Roja to the European title.
The winners will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while the defeated side will contest the third-place playoff.
