14/07/2026 14:29 - Deportes
Expectation for the 2026 World Cup semifinals is reaching its peak. According to sports media such as El Día and TN, FIFA appointed referee Ismail Elfath for the match between Argentina and England.
The match will take place on July 15, 2026, at 16:00 hours at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The appointment of Elfath, a Moroccan-born but US-nationalized referee, has generated significant conversation, especially in the British press prior to the semifinal clash.
As anticipated by the portal CBA24n, a renowned English newspaper reignited the controversy by pointing out that Elfath is the "favorite referee" of Lionel Messi. The Argentine captain, who is 39 years old, will play his first match against England at the senior level and reportedly arrives with 8 goals in this tournament and a total of 21 in World Cups.
The style of conducting the match and Messi's previous familiarity with referees from the US league (Major League Soccer, where Messi currently plays for Inter Miami) have been the main points of analysis for European media.
Argentina reaches this stage after defeating Switzerland 3-1, while England eliminated Norway with a 2-1 score. The Albiceleste (as the Argentine national team is known due to their sky-blue and white colors) will wear its blue and black alternate jersey, the same one used to defeat England in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico—a historic match famous for Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal.
The World Cup history between both teams marks 5 matches: 3 English victories, 1 Argentine, and 1 draw. The Argentine coach, Lionel Scaloni, asked to separate politics and history from the sporting event to focus on the game.
Atlanta authorities are preparing an unprecedented police operation for this match. Additionally, the Argentine government reinforced immigration controls to prevent "barras bravas" (Argentine organized fan groups, similar to hooligans) from traveling to the United States and causing incidents.
On the English side, the team led by Thomas Tuchel is going through some internal tensions, although their striker Harry Kane backed the coach despite clashes with Jude Bellingham. England will seek its first world title in six decades in what promises to be a spectacular and thrilling match.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
