Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Ivan Barton will referee France against Spain at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday, July 14, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at stake.
The 35-year-old official from El Salvador will lead a multinational team responsible for managing a match featuring Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal and two of the tournament’s leading contenders.
The contest will bring together France’s quick attack and Spain’s patient possession game, as detailed in this France vs Spain semifinal preview.
David Moran of El Salvador and Antonio Pupiro of Nicaragua will serve as assistant referees. Sweden’s Glenn Nyberg is the fourth official, with fellow Swede Mahbod Beigi named as reserve assistant referee.
Poland’s Tomasz Kwiatkowski will oversee VAR. Dennis Higler of the Netherlands and Guillermo Pacheco of Mexico are the assistant video officials.
Ivan Barton gained FIFA accreditation in 2018 and worked at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He is also included on FIFA’s official list of 2026 World Cup match officials.
The Salvadoran referee has handled several heated international fixtures. Ivan Barton issued four red cards during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League semifinal between the United States and Mexico, which ended early after homophobic chants were heard.
With France dangerous in transition and Spain seeking control through possession, decisions around physical challenges and counterattacks could shape the contest. Ivan Barton and the VAR team will therefore carry major responsibility on one of the tournament’s biggest stages.
