India, July 15 -- Ismail Elfath will control one of the most politically and emotionally charged matches of the 2026 World Cup when England face Argentina in tonight's semi-final at Atlanta Stadium. FIFA has appointed the Moroccan-born American as the referee, with Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins serving as his assistants. Italy's Maurizio Mariani will be the fourth official.

The appointment will create history. Elfath, Parker and Atkins will become the first all-American refereeing crew to officiate a men's World Cup semi-final. It will be their fourth match together at this tournament, having previously handled Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Spain's 1-0 victory over Uruguay and Norway's 2-1 win against Brazil.

Elfath, 44, was bor...