The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has chosen El Salvadoran referee Iván Barton to officiate the anticipated semi-final clash between France and Spain in the 2026 World Cup, which brings the two teams together tomorrow, Tuesday, in Arlington, USA, as they vie for a spot in the final match.

Barton is 35 years old, holds El Salvadoran nationality, and obtained his international badge in 2018, becoming one of the most prominent referees in the CONCACAF region before taking charge of several major matches at the World Cup and international tournaments.

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Assisting Barton in leading the France vs Spain encounter will be his compatriots David Morán and Antonio Puberto as assistant referees, while Swede Glenn Nyberg will serve as the fourth official, assisted by his compatriot Mahbod Beigi as reserve assistant referee. World Cup experience: The El Salvadoran referee has extensive World Cup experience, having officiated six matches during the 2022 and 2026 editions. He previously led three matches in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the most prominent being the round of 16 match between England and Senegal, in addition to the matches Japan vs Germany and Switzerland vs Brazil in the group stage. In the 2026 World Cup, Barton officiated three matches, starting with Uruguay vs Turkey in the group stage, followed by Sweden vs Japan in the same stage, before leading Colombia vs Sweden in the round of 16. Throughout his World Cup career, Barton has officiated six matches, showing 13 yellow cards, issuing one direct red card, and awarding one penalty kick. Iraq vs Bolivia on the road to the World Cup: Barton was also present in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, officiating the match between Bolivia and Iraq in the intercontinental play-off, which ended with a 2-1 victory for the Iraqi national team. Barton's experience in the Saudi Roshn League: The El Salvadoran referee has knowledge of Saudi football, having officiated seven matches in the Roshn League in recent seasons, showing 27 yellow cards, no red cards, and awarding three penalty kicks. In the 2023-2024 season, Barton led four matches in the Saudi League: Al-Ittihad vs Al-Riyadh, Al-Shabab vs Al-Hilal, Al-Taawoun vs Al-Hilal, and Al-Ittihad vs Al-Hilal. In the 2024-2025 season, he officiated two matches: Al-Qadsiah vs Al-Riyadh, and Al-Riyadh vs Al-Hilal, while he led one match in the 2025-2026 season between Al-Qadsiah and Al-Khaleej. Barton awaits a new test in his refereeing career when he leads the France vs Spain match, a game of great importance for both teams seeking to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup final. Age: 35 Nationality: El Salvadoran International badge: 2018 Officiated match: Bolivia 1-2 Iraq in the 2026 World Cup qualifier play-off Referee Iván Barton's World Cup statistics: 6 matches, 13 yellow cards, 1 direct red card, 1 penalty kick. 2022 World Cup: 3 matches: Japan 2-1 Germany (group stage), Switzerland 0-1 Brazil (group stage), Senegal 0-3 England (round of 16). 2026 World Cup: 3 matches: Uruguay vs Turkey (group stage), Sweden vs Japan (group stage), Colombia vs Sweden (round of 16). Referee Iván Barton's Roshn League statistics: 7 matches. 4 matches in 2023/24 season: Al-Ittihad vs Al-Riyadh, Al-Shabab vs Al-Hilal, Al-Taawoun vs Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad vs Al-Hilal. 2 matches in 2024/25 season: Al-Qadsiah vs Al-Riyadh, Al-Riyadh vs Al-Hilal. 1 match in 2025/26 season: Al-Qadsiah vs Al-Khaleej. 27 yellow cards, 0 red cards, 3 penalty kicks.