Referee Ismail Elfath’s post-match sajda went viral after Argentina beat England 2-1 in Atlanta to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain.
Footage circulating on multiple social media platforms showed the Moroccan-born American referee prostrating on the pitch after the final whistle at Atlanta Stadium. The gesture drew widespread attention across social media.
In the 2nd semifinal, England took the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. Enzo Fernández equalised for Argentina in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez scored the winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
İngiltere-Arjantin karşılaşmasının hakemi Ismail Elfath, son düdükten sonra secdeye gitti.pic.twitter.com/JG9QKrApt7
— L'Europe (@leuropefootball) July 16, 2026Elfath became the first American head referee to officiate a men’s World Cup semifinal. The Casablanca-born official has worked in Major League Soccer since 2012 and was added to FIFA’s international referees list in 2016.
His handling of the physical semifinal also attracted criticism. Former Professional Game Match Officials Limited chief Keith Hackett criticised Elfath for not cautioning Fernández following an early challenge on England midfielder Elliot Anderson, Football Insider reported. No official finding has linked Elfath to bias or misconduct.
Read: Argentina Beat England 2-1 as Lautaro Seals Final Spot
Argentina will face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at New York-New Jersey Stadium. England will play France in the third-place match on Saturday.
