El Salvador's Iván Barton to referee France vs. Spain World Cup semifinal in Dallas

Iván Barton of El Salvador has been appointed as the referee for Tuesday’s World Cup semifinal between France and Spain at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Barton, whose assistants David Moran and Antonio Pupiro are also from El Salvador, will be supported by Swedish fourth official Glenn Nyberg and reserve assistant Mahbod Begi.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup was Barton’s first at the tournament, and Tuesday’s assignment marks his fourth match at this edition — having previously officiated three group-stage games. His broader experience spans CONCACAF competitions including the Nations League and the Gold Cup.

Barton made headlines earlier in this tournament when he sent off Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almirón in the group stage match against Türkiye, making Almirón the first player to receive a red card at this World Cup. The dismissal came in first-half stoppage time after Almirón covered his mouth while exchanging words with Mert Mulder following a foul near midfield. After a video review, Barton ruled the gesture violated a new rule introduced for this World Cup aimed at combating potential verbal abuse between players.

On the pitch, France arrive at the semifinal having beaten Morocco in the quarterfinals and are chasing a third consecutive World Cup final appearance. Kylian Mbappé remains in contention for both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball award.

Spain, meanwhile, eliminated defending European champions Belgium to reach the last four, with Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal leading their attack. La Roja are aiming to reach their first World Cup final since their 2010 triumph.

The other semifinal sees England face Argentina on Wednesday in Atlanta.

Full officiating panel — France vs. Spain:

Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)

Assistant Referee 1: David Moran (El Salvador)

Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Pupiro (El Salvador)

4th Official: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)

Reserve Assistant Referee: Mahbod Begi (Sweden)