Referee Elfath draws fierce criticism as England edge Argentina in World Cup semi-final

American referee Ismail Elfath came under sustained criticism during England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as fans and pundits questioned FIFA’s decision to appoint him to one of the tournament’s most high-stakes fixtures.

Elfath was slow to reach for his cards throughout a niggly, combustible first half, issuing multiple verbal warnings before finally booking Elliot Anderson, who had clashed twice with Enzo Fernandez — the Chelsea midfielder appeared to elbow Anderson in the neck before Anderson caught Lionel Messi with a high challenge. Lisandro Martinez was also cautioned for a tug on Jude Bellingham’s shirt, while Bellingham and Morgan Rogers were both set upon by Argentina players in separate incidents.

The restraint drew immediate backlash on social media. “Did this referee forget his cards or? This referee is a joke, hello?!” wrote one user on X. Another called Elfath “the worst referee of the entire World Cup” and described his appointment as “a grave mistake.” A third was more measured but equally damning: “Let’s be generous and say that the referee’s out of his depth.”

Some fans went further, alleging inconsistency in how Elfath managed the two sides. “How is this happening? Argentina has been fouling England left and right but then the referee plays blind and then boom — the first yellow card goes to England?” one post read. Another described the officiating as “two-tier reffing” and claimed Messi was afforded preferential protection over Bellingham.

Not everyone directed their frustration at the official alone. One supporter urged England manager Thomas Tuchel to keep his players focused: “Is England playing against FIFA, Argentina, or both? Tuchel needs to tell his players to keep their heads cool because, if England are to reach the World Cup final, they cannot afford to let these decisions distract them.”

On the pitch, the controversy overshadowed what was a largely goalless and shot-free first half. England eventually broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Anthony Gordon tapped home from a Morgan Rogers cross to give the Three Lions the lead.