Who is the referee for France vs Spain?

Referee Ivan Barton
Referee Ivan Barton (Image credit: Getty Images)

France and Spain face each other in Dallas this evening fighting for a place in the World Cup Final on Sunday.

The victor will play the winner of England versus Argentina tomorrow night, both of which are tantalising clashes with significant historical background.

Given what's at stake, tonight's contest is expected to be a testy, high-pressure affair - so, who is taking charge of it all?

Who is the referee for France vs Spain?

GUADALUPE, MEXICO - MARCH 31: Referee Ivan Barton reacts to Moises Paniagua of Bolivia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Play-Off tournament final match between Iraq and Bolivia at Estadio Monterrey on March 31, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Referee Ivan Barton is set to take charge of France vs Spain in the World Cup semi-final (Image credit: Getty Images)

The final Round of 16 match will be officiated by referee Ivan Barton from El Salvador, who has developed quite a reputation for himself this tournament.

It will be his fourth match of the tournament, having previously officiated group matches between Turkey and Paraguay and Japan and Sweden, as well as the knockout fixture between Switzerland and Colombia.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 19: Head Referee Ivan Barton about to blow his whistle during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between Türkiye and Paraguay at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Scott Gould/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Ivan Barton (Image credit: Getty Images)

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Barton made headlines during the Turkey-Paraguay match for his dramatic announcement of the decision to show Miguel Almiron a red card.

That incident, which was referred to VAR, saw the official become the first to send a player off for covering their mouth with their hand.

The 35-year-old is appearing at his second World Cup, having taken charge of three matches at Qatar 2022, including England's Round of 16 match against Senegal.

Barton will be joined on the pitch by fellow Salvadoran David Moran and Antonio Pupiro assisting from the sidelines.

Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg is fourth official, whilst reserve assistant is another Swede Mahbod Beigi.

Miguel Almiron explains to the Paraguay staff why he was sent off against Turkiye

Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth against Turkey (Image credit: Getty Images)

Barton's previous record is pretty unpredictable when it comes to showing his cards, with only three players booked during the three World Cup matches at Qatar combined.

However, during 21 Salvadoran league matches in 2025 and 2026, Barton dished out 12 red cards and a staggering 113 yellows.

However, he has been a little less trigger happy during this summer, brandishing just 10 yellows altogether in addition to Almiron's red.

Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

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