FIFA has appointed experienced Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to oversee the highly anticipated France versus Spain semi-final at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the decisive encounter scheduled for Dallas Stadium on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.

The world football governing body confirmed the appointment on Monday, selecting Barton to handle one of the tournament’s most important fixtures.

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The match, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. EDT, will determine which European powerhouse advances to the World Cup final, with both nations chasing another opportunity to lift football’s most prestigious trophy.

Barton will be assisted by fellow Salvadoran David Moran, who has been named Assistant Referee 1, while Argentina’s Antonio Pupiro will serve as Assistant Referee 2. Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg has been appointed fourth official, with compatriot Mahbod Beigi taking the role of reserve assistant referee.

The appointment represents another major moment in Barton’s international career, placing him at the centre of a high-pressure contest involving two of world football’s most decorated national teams.

France enter the semi-final with hopes of reaching their third consecutive World Cup final.

The 2018 World Cup champions finished runners-up in 2022 and are aiming to add another chapter to their impressive tournament history.

Captain Kylian Mbappé remains a key figure for Les Bleus as they look to combine their defensive organisation with attacking quality against a technically gifted Spanish side.

Spain, meanwhile, arrive as one of the most exciting teams of the tournament, driven by a new generation of talent led by young forward Lamine Yamal.

The 2010 champions have impressed with their possession-based approach, creativity and attacking confidence as they seek a second World Cup title.

The semi-final renews a long-standing European rivalry between two nations with contrasting football identities.

France’s experience on the biggest stage will be tested against Spain’s youthful energy and disciplined passing style.

The two countries have met only once previously at the FIFA World Cup, when France defeated Spain 3-1 in the round of 16 at the 2006 tournament.

Their latest major meeting came at the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final, where Spain secured a 2-1 victory before going on to win the European Championship.

France are pursuing a record-extending fifth World Cup final appearance after reaching the showpiece match in 1998, 2006, 2018 and 2022.

Spain are targeting only their second final appearance after their historic triumph at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

With a place in the final at stake, the encounter promises a compelling battle between France’s proven tournament pedigree and Spain’s confident new era of football.