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As the fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final between France and Argentina, Ismail El Fath is a familiar figure to the Albiceleste. Fast forward to the 2026 World Cup, and this 44-year-old referee is set to officiate the semi-final clash between England and the reigning champions. Originally from Morocco but now a naturalized American, El Fath's journey—from Casablanca to the global football stage—is captivating.
Hailing from one of Morocco’s football epicenters, known for prestigious clubs like Wydad, Raja, and others, El Fath’s love for the game crossed the Atlantic with him. His life took a significant turn when he won the «diversity visa lottery», fulfilling his «American dream». Journalist Henry Winter notes that he moved to the U.S. at 18.
The American Dream Unfolds
Arriving in the United States with limited funds, El Fath’s determination was unwavering. In Texas, he pursued mechanical engineering at the University of Austin while playing amateur football. However, frustration with refereeing standards led him to switch paths and embrace officiating.
Interesting back-story to Ismail Elfath, the American referee for England v Argentina. Born in Casablanca, Elfath won a US government “diversity lottery ticket” aged 18. Left an extended family of 16 in his grandfather’s house (his mother died when he was 8), arrived with $200 at…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) July 14, 2026
El Fath quickly established himself in Major League Soccer and began gaining recognition in FIFA-organized competitions. Ahead of the England-Argentina semi-final, his reputation as Lionel Messi’s «lucky charm» is also in the spotlight, given Messi's impressive record in matches officiated by El Fath.
Rising through American refereeing, El Fath officiated in the United Soccer Leagues’ top division by 2009 and became an MLS referee in 2012. He officiated his first final in 2013 and, by 2016, became the first to oversee a match using VAR in the MLS.
From MLS to FIFA World Cups
El Fath's international career advanced with his debut match in 2017, a Bermuda-Canada friendly. He officiated at the 2019 U20 World Cup final, becoming the second American to do so, and was selected for the 2019 Gold Cup. Further assignments included the Club World Cup semi-final and selection for AFCON 2021.
By 2022, El Fath was among the trailblazing group of American officials at a World Cup final, alongside Kathryn Nesbitt, Kyle Atkins, and Corey Parker. His growing rapport with Lionel Messi added to his prestige, with Argentina claiming the 2022 world title under his oversight.
At this 2026 World Cup, El Fath has already overseen dramatic encounters, including the group matches Netherlands-Japan and Spain-Uruguay, and the knockout round clash between Norway and Brazil.
Despite his brief return to Morocco, El Fath remembers his roots. In 2025, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) appointed him to enhance national refereeing standards before stepping down for family reasons.
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