Brazil vs Norway Referee Brings Bad Memories 😨
July 4, 2026 · Global
FIFA has appointed Ismail Elfath as the main referee for the World Cup match between Brazil and Norway, which has raised concerns because he previously officiated in Brazil's match which ended in defeat.
FIFA has announced the referee appointed for the match between Brazil and Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match supervision team will be led by the American referee, Ismail Elfath, who will be assisted by Corey Parker and Kyle Atkins. The fourth referee is from Honduras. The bad news for Brazil is that Elfath was also in charge of one of Brazil's matches at the 2022 World Cup, namely when they lost 0-1 to Cameroon in the group phase. In the 2026 World Cup, Elfath has led two matches: Netherlands 2-2 Japan and Spain 1-0 Uruguay. In Spain's win, he issued a red card to Uruguay's Canobbio, which angered the Fluminense player.