​England vs. Argentina referee: Who are match officials and VAR for World Cup semifinal? originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The referee situation for England and Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semifinal match is far from ordinary.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe two countries have a political history with each other that may be able to affect matchday protocols, including who can blow the whistle. Due to the Falklands War in 1982, an English referee is not allowed to officiate matches involving Argentina.Wednesday’s match is an important one that has repercussions, so FIFA will attempt everything in its power to make sure there is little to no controversy that comes out of this semifinal. England are looking to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, while Argentina is vying to become the first back-to-back World Cup winner since Brazil did in 1958 and 1962.Here’s the rundown on who the referee staff for England vs. Argentina features.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup ticketsAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe following officials will oversee the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina:Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)Assistant referees: Corey Parker (USA), Kyle Atkins (USA)4th official: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)Reserve AR: Daniele Bindoni (Italy)VAR: TBDAssistant VARs: TBDAmerican referee Ismail Elfath will serve as the referee for the semifinal match between England and Argentina.Elfath has been a FIFA referee since 2016 and served as the fourth referee during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup final win over France. 2022 served as Elfath’s first World Cup, debuting in a match between Portugal and Ghana and serving as the referee for a knockout stage match between Japan and Croatia.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn 2026, Elfath served as the referee for Japan vs. Netherlands, Uruguay vs. Spain and Brazil vs. Norway (Round of 16).Born in Morocco, Elfath came over to the United States in at age 18 and later became a U.S. citizen. He has been an MLS referee since 2012.MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:Printable World Cup bracketRanking remaining World Cup teams in semifinalsWorld Cup prize money breakdownThe main reason that the refereeing situation for Wednesday’s semifinal match is controversial lies in a history textbook. In 1982, England and Argentina fought for control over the Falkland Islands, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.The islands, which sit around 300 miles away from South America, were first in Argentine custody in the early 19th century before England took control in 1833. The rule stayed that way until 1982, when Lieut. Gen. Leopoldo Galtieri led an Argentinian military junta to seize control.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe two countries fought in the undeclared war for 74 days after Argentina surrendered on June 14. The British were able to set up a blockade around