Statistics indicate that Lionel Messi's team has won every match officiated by the Moroccan-American referee. With reigning champions Argentina consistently embroiled in controversy over decisions perceived as favorable since the start of the tournament, the decision to assign Elfath to their match against England has sparked debate.

Forward Matheus Cunha (number 9) reacts to referee Ismail Elfath during Brazil's 1-2 loss to Norway in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, US on 5/7. Photo: AP

Under the headline "Messi gets his favorite referee in semi-final against England", the Daily Mail suggested that "fears of favoritism towards Argentina are growing" following FIFA's announcement. The newspaper recalled conspiracy theories about the World Cup being "fixed" to help Messi defend his title, despite FIFA's repeated denials.

TalkSPORT also called Elfath's appointment a "good omen" for Argentina. According to the station, Messi has won all five matches where Elfath was part of the officiating crew, including the 2023 Leagues Cup final with Inter Miami and four other MLS matches.

The Mirror cautioned England about potentially facing unfavorable decisions, especially after many of Argentina's opponents in World Cup 2026 publicly criticized the officiating. The newspaper quoted Switzerland's central defender Manuel Akanji, who stated that "everything was against us" after their quarter-final match with Argentina.

FIFA confirmed Elfath will officiate the semi-final between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium. Both assistant referees are American, Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins, while the fourth official is Maurizio Mariani from Italy.

This marks Elfath's first time officiating a match involving either England or Argentina at World Cup 2026, though he is no stranger to Messi. The 44-year-old referee served as the fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout to claim the title.

Argentina forward Lionel Messi (left) talks with Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro during Argentina's match against Switzerland in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals at Kansas City Stadium, US on 11/7. Photo: AP

After Messi moved to Inter Miami in 2023, Elfath continued to officiate many of the Argentine superstar's matches. All five times Messi played under this referee's direction ended in victory. In these matches, Messi scored a total of four goals.

The Daily Mail commented that these statistics "further increase anxiety from an English perspective", even though there is no evidence suggesting Elfath favors Argentina.

Elfath is also known for strict officiating in MLS. Before the league paused for the World Cup, he issued 41 yellow cards, three red cards, and awarded three penalties in 10 matches. At World Cup 2026, he has officiated three matches: Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan, Spain's 1-0 win over Uruguay, and Norway's 2-1 victory against Brazil, issuing eight yellow cards, one red card, and two penalties.

However, some of Elfath's decisions have also drawn criticism. After Spain's win over Uruguay, Spanish media criticized him for not being strict enough with Uruguay's fouls. In the Norway - Brazil match, he initially denied Brazil a penalty before changing his decision after a VAR review.

Currently, Argentina is a focal point of ongoing refereeing controversies. In the round of 16 against Egypt, the African team argued they were denied a penalty late in the match before Enzo Fernandez scored the decisive goal, leading to Argentina's 3-2 victory. Earlier, VAR also disallowed an Egypt goal.

Coach Hossam Hassan after the match accused FIFA of wanting to keep Messi in the tournament for "marketing reasons". He stated that his team had to play in an environment with "support from all sides for the world champions", adding that his team suffered "injustice".

Forward Mostafa Ziko even cried and declared "the Cup has been decided", sarcastically congratulating Argentina on winning the championship immediately after the round of 16.

In the quarter-finals, Switzerland reacted strongly after their 1-3 extra-time defeat. A turning point occurred when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card after VAR applied a new rule regarding mistaken identity for fouls. Initially, the referee booked Leandro Paredes, but after reviewing the situation and determining there was no contact, the card was transferred to Embolo for simulation. Having already received a yellow card, the Swiss forward was sent off.

Coach Murat Yakin called this regulation "unacceptable", while Akanji criticized referee Joao Pinheiro's officiating as the "most one-sided match" he had ever experienced.

The Mirror noted these statements as a warning to the England team ahead of the semi-final, as Argentina has twice overcome opponents in controversial matches.

Referee Joao Pinheiro shows a red card to Switzerland's Breel Embolo (left) during their 1-3 extra-time loss to Argentina in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals at Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, US on 11/7. Photo: AP

FIFA previously denied allegations of bias. Head of referees Pierluigi Collina affirmed that no one can influence World Cup referees, not even FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

He also warned that conspiracy theories targeting referees could lead to threats against them and their families.

Hoang An compiled