Ismail Elfath has been appointed referee for Englands World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday night news that is unlikely to be welcomed in the Three Lions camp. Elfath has overseen three games in the tournament so far, including the controversial clash between Uruguay and Spain in which the South Americans were accused of trying to rough up the European champions.Uruguay were handed just two yellow cards before the game spilled over in injury time when Agustin Canobbio was dismissed for chopping down Pau Cubarsi. Cannobio then confronted Elfath before leaving the field as Uruguay went home in disgrace.Speaking afterwards, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente said: It was not the most comfortable type of match, but thats what referees are for. Refereeing is very difficult. I understand that there are tools, like VAR, that should help. I hope to play normal matches from now on. I dont want to get into trouble and say anything about the referees.Table of ContentsNorway angered by VAR call in game with BrazilArgentina have ridden their luck to reach this stageNorway angered by VAR call in game with BrazilElfath and his all-American team were also involved in an awkward moment in the game between Brazil and Norway.Brazil were awarded a penalty when Kristoffer Ajer tripped Matheus Cunha inside the area. Elfath waved play on initially but was asked to review his decision by the VAR, Tatiana Guzman from Nicaragua. When he did, the television replays failed to show an angle that showed Ajer got a small touch on the ball and the spot-kick was awarded. Bruno Guimaraes missed the subsequent penalty.Away from the controversy, Elfaths quest to reach the top of refereeing has a nice back story.Having been born in Morocco, he moved to the USA as an 18-year-old after winning a diversity visa lottery. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in mechanical engineering.The 44-year-old took charge of his first Major League Soccer game in 2012 and joined the FIFA ranks four years later.Argentina have ridden their luck to reach this stageEngland will hope for a trouble-free evening against an Argentina side whose previous games have been laced with controversy.Lionel Messi avoided a red card for raking his studs down the heel of Algerias Aissa Mandi in Argentinas opener. Messi was let off and went on to score a hat-trick in a 3-0 win with Algeria putting in an official complaint to FIFA.Another North African team felt hard done to when Egypt had a goal disallowed against Argentina in their round-of-16 clash. Their frustration was compounded when Mohamed Salah saw a penalty shout dismissed shortly before Enzo Fernandez scored the winner for the defending champions. Topics Argentina National Football Team England National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Lingering Rice doubt leaves England with potential midfield problem Nicholas McGee 14th July, 2026 England prepared for anything against Argentina as Pickford insists Three Lions cant just focus on Messi Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026 World Cup 2026 semi-final predictions as Yamal and Bellingham aim to stop Messi-Mbappe rematch Nicholas McGee 13th July, 2026 Former England captain Terry compares Bellingham to Zidane and claims Three Lions are better than Argentina Jon Fisher 13th July, 2026 Atlanta police on high alert as England and Argentina fans converge for highly charged World Cup semi-final Jon Fisher 13th July, 2026 Kane backs Tuchels frustrations after Englands sloppy win over Norway Mitch Fretton 12th July, 2026
