History-making American World Cup referee Ismail Elfath announces retirement

Referee Ismail Elfath announced Sunday, Oct. 11, that he is retiring from professional officiating, calling it the right time to step away after an elite career spanning major international tournaments. The 44-year-old made the announcement the day after officiating Austin FC’s 4-1 loss to Nashville SC in his Texas hometown. A two-time MLS Referee of the Year, Elfath served as the fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final and oversaw finals including the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, and the 2019 U-20 World Cup. His final assignment with his assistant crew was the World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England, which he said was the pinnacle of his career.