FIFA has selected Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to officiate the first 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain. Les Bleus will face the 2024 UEFA Euros champions at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with a place in Sunday’s final on the line. The team that loses this match will head to Miami on Saturday to compete in the Bronze final against either England or Argentina.

The 35-year-old Barton drew significant attention earlier in the tournament when he issued a red card to Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron for covering his mouth while speaking to Turkey’s Mert Müldür. According to L’Equipe, the Salvadoran official brings extensive experience to the match, having notably officiated multiple Concacaf Champions Cup finals. This semi-final marks the seventh 2026 World Cup game under Barton’s supervision. He has not previously officiated a match involving either France or Spain.