England Criticizes Referee Selection Ahead of Messi's World Cup 2026 Semifinal

On July 14, 2026, a day before the highly anticipated World Cup 2026 semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta, British media outlets expressed strong criticism over the appointment of American referee Ismail Elfath to officiate the match. English tabloids accused FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino of favoritism toward Lionel Messi, suggesting the referee selection was intended to smooth Messi's path to the title. The Daily Mail ran a headline claiming Messi "received his preferred referee for the semifinal," despite conspiracy theories that the tournament was fixed. The Sun highlighted Elfath's previous role as the fourth official during the unforgettable 2022 World Cup final when Messi lifted the trophy.

Further fueling the controversy, Elfath has refereed Messi in four Major League Soccer matches since the Argentine star joined the league, with Messi winning all four games and scoring five goals. English commentators also expressed concern about Elfath's strict refereeing style; in his three matches so far at the 2026 World Cup, he has issued eight yellow cards and one red card. The Daily Mail warned England's coach Thomas Tuchel and his players to be cautious, noting Elfath's readiness to hand out cards could prove costly.

Whether these criticisms are early excuses or psychological tactics ahead of the semifinal, the tension is palpable. The match has yet to begin, but it is clear that the losing side will likely be reluctant to shake the referee's hand afterward. The controversy underscores the high stakes and emotions surrounding this pivotal World Cup encounter.