Meet Ivan Barton: Referee for France Vs. Spain World Cup Match
WHO:
The New York Times - Ivan Barton, a 35-year-old referee from El Salvador, will officiate the World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain.
Yahoo Sports - Assistant referees David Moran and Antonio Pupiro, both from El Salvador, will assist Barton.
WHAT:
Daily Mail Sports - Didier Deschamps questioned whether referee Ivan Barton was "up to the standard required" to officiate the World Cup semi-final after Spain eliminated France.
The New York Times - Ivan Barton became the first referee at a World Cup to issue a red card for a player covering his mouth during a confrontation, dismissing Miguel Almiron during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey.
The New York Times - France reached the semi-finals by defeating Morocco 2-0, while Spain beat Belgium 2-1.
Yahoo Sports - Barton has officiated three matches at the current World Cup, including Switzerland's win over Colombia in the round of 16.
WHERE:
Yahoo Sports - The semi-final match between France and Spain will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
WHEN:
Yahoo Sports - The World Cup semi-finals are scheduled to kick off on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
WHY:
The New York Times - The new law barring players from covering their mouths during confrontations was introduced to combat discriminatory abuse.
HOW:
The New York Times - Barton issued the red card to Almiron after reviewing the incident at the pitch-side monitor, announcing, “After review! Number ten! Paraguay! Cover his mouth! Decision is red card!”
(UPDATED July 14, 2026 23:16 UTC)
Didier Deschamps has raised concerns about referee Ivan Barton's ability to officiate at the World Cup semi-final following Spain's elimination of France. He questioned whether Barton was "up to the standard required" for such a crucial match. This statement comes after a tense game that saw Spain advance in the tournament.
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(UPDATED July 14, 2026 18:20 UTC)
In a historic moment for the World Cup, Ivan Barton, a 35-year-old referee from El Salvador, will officiate the semi-final match between France and Spain at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with fellow El Salvadoran assistants David Moran and Antonio Pupiro. Barton made headlines earlier in the tournament by becoming the first referee to issue a red card for a player covering his mouth during a confrontation, dismissing Miguel Almiron during Paraguay's 1-0 victory over Turkey. France advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Morocco 2-0, while Spain secured their spot with a 2-1 win over Belgium, and the highly anticipated match is set to kick off on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.