FIFA has confirmed that experienced Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton will take charge of the first semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and France, as two of Europe’s football heavyweights battle for a place in the final in New York.
The appointment, announced on Monday, places Barton in charge of one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
The 35-year-old, who has been a FIFA international referee since 2018, has already handled three matches at the 2026 World Cup and also officiated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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Barton will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran as Assistant Referee One, while Antonio Pupiro of Nicaragua has been named Assistant Referee Two.
Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg will serve as the fourth official, with compatriot Mahbod Beigi acting as the reserve assistant referee.
The semi-final promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the tournament, with Spain aiming to continue their impressive run after eliminating Belgium in the quarter-finals, while France secured their place in the last four by overcoming Morocco.
Both nations will be seeking a place in Sunday’s World Cup final in New York.
Barton’s selection has attracted attention after several high-profile decisions during the tournament, but FIFA has once again shown confidence in the Salvadoran official by handing him one of the competition’s biggest assignments.
The winner of Tuesday’s clash will book a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they will face either England or Argentina, who meet in the second semi-final.
