Moroccan-born and naturalized American, referee Ismail El Fath will officiate the England–Argentina match in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Nicknamed Lionel Messi’s «lucky charm», the Casablanca native is best known for having served as fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final.
The Morocco – Netherlands match at the 2026 World Cup does not directly involve Mexican fans. Even so, the fixture in Monterrey is highlighting an unprecedented wave of Mexican enthusiasm for the Atlas Lions. Supporters of El Tri appreciated Hakimi’s gesture during the press conference, while also remembering their bitter defeat to the Oranje at the World Cup on June 29, 2014.