Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton responded to Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French national team, who criticized him after the match between Les Bleus and Spain in the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup.

Deschamps said: "If I say anything at this moment, I risk being considered a whiner 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 to Spain 2-0 in the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup.

In an interview with journalist Jorge Ramos, reported by the newspaper AS, the Salvadoran referee confirmed that the French coach's comments did not affect him, emphasizing 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 are aware of what we have been through, what we have struggled for, how we have earned it, and we know why we are here. No comment will shake our convictions about our goal."

Away from the controversy, Barton expressed his great pride in representing El Salvador on the world stage.

The referee believes that 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 the highlights of his tournament.