FIFA has appointed Moroccan-born American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate Tuesday's World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta.
Elfath has developed a reputation as a no-nonsense official. So far in the tournament, he has issued six yellow cards and one straight red card, sending off Uruguay midfielder Agustín Canobbio for a high challenge on Spain defender Pau Cubarsí. Following the dismissal, an angry Canobbio confronted the referee and grabbed his shirt.
The 44-year-old is officiating at his second FIFA World Cup after making his tournament debut at Qatar 2022. During this year's competition, he has taken charge of the group-stage matches between Japan and the Netherlands, Uruguay and Spain, as well as Norway's Round of 16 victory over five-time champions Brazil.
At the 2022 World Cup, Elfath made headlines during Cameroon's group-stage victory over Brazil when he shook hands with Vincent Aboubakar before showing the striker a second yellow card for removing his shirt while celebrating the winning goal.
Elfath has officiated in Major League Soccer since 2012 and has twice been named MLS Referee of the Year.
He will be assisted by fellow Americans Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while Italian Maurizio Mariani will serve as the fourth official.
Originally from Morocco, Elfath moved to the United States at the age of 18 after winning a US government-backed Diversity Visa Lottery.