Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton responded to France coach Didier Deschamps, who had criticized him after Les Bleus' match against Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinal.

Deschamps said: "If I say anything at this moment, I risk being seen as a sore loser because we lost. But the question I ask all of you is: Does this referee have the required level to officiate a World Cup semifinal?"

Deschamps' comments came after 'Les Bleus' lost 2-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup semifinal.

In an interview with journalist Jorge Ramos, as reported by the newspaper 'As', the Salvadoran referee confirmed that the French coach's comments did not affect him, stressing that reaching this level is the fruit of many years of hard work.

He continued: "No, absolutely not. Everyone has the right to express their opinion. We know what we have been through, what we fought for, how we earned it, and we know why we are here. No comment will shake our convictions about our goal."

Apart from the ongoing controversy, Barton expressed his great pride in representing El Salvador on the global stage.

The referee believes his career proves the ability of referees from small countries to reach the highest levels, and he hopes to be a role model for other referees in the region.

He also noted that the support and congratulations he received from Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, after the match were among his greatest achievements in this tournament.