Ivan Barton to referee France vs Spain semifinal

Ivan Barton, a FIFA-sanctioned referee from El Salvador since 2018, will officiate the France vs Spain World Cup semifinal in Dallas.

Barton made World Cup history earlier in the tournament by becoming the first referee to send off a player for covering his mouth during a confrontation (Paraguay's Miguel Almiron).

He previously officiated the Japan vs Sweden group stage match and the Switzerland vs Colombia round of 16 match.

Central referees like Barton receive a base payment of $100,000 for being part of the World Cup, plus $5,000 to $10,000 per game officiated.

Barton, aged 35, is participating in his second World Cup, having also officiated in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.