FIFA has appointed experienced Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to oversee the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain.
The world football governing body confirmed the appointment on Monday, naming Barton as the centre referee for Match 101 of the tournament, scheduled to take place at Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, July 14.
Barton will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran as Assistant Referee 1, while Argentina’s Antonio Pupiro will serve as Assistant Referee 2. Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg has been appointed as the fourth official, with Mahbod Beigi named 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 World Cup final.
France reached the semi-final after another strong campaign, combining defensive discipline with attacking quality. The Les Bleus, led by captain Kylian Mbappé, are aiming to reach their third consecutive World Cup final after winning the trophy in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.
Spain, meanwhile, have been one of the standout teams at the tournament, impressing with their possession-based football, youthful squad and attacking efficiency. Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal has been among the players attracting major attention during their run.
The semi-final will renew a growing rivalry between the two nations. Spain defeated France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final before going on to win the European Championship, while France will be looking to use their World Cup experience to secure another final appearance.
The two countries have only met once previously at the World Cup, with France defeating Spain 3-1 in the 2006 Round of 16 after coming from behind.
France are seeking a record-extending fifth World Cup final appearance, having previously reached the final in 1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022. Spain, on the other hand, are chasing their second appearance in the final after their historic triumph in 2010.
With a place in football’s biggest match on the line, Tuesday’s semi-final is expected to be a battle between France’s experience on the global stage and Spain’s exciting new generation of talent.
