According to Goal.com, Moroccan-born American international referee Ismail Alfas said that officiating at the 2026 World Cup would be the pinnacle of his refereeing career.
Elfas officiated four matches at this World Cup, including the historic England vs. Argentina game. In an interview with Saudi media outlet Arriyadiyah, he said, "Being entrusted with officiating such an important match is a huge, indescribable honor. I am very proud and grateful to everyone who helped me get to this point."
Speaking about Morocco's outstanding performance, Elfas emphasized that Morocco's results are no longer surprising, but rather the result of long-term institutional development. He said, "Morocco's achievements stem from a clear plan that began more than a decade ago, focusing on infrastructure development and talent scouting. I fully believe that Morocco will be a strong contender in the 2030 World Cup, and may even go further."
Alfas also discussed the progress of Saudi football. Drawing on his past experience officiating in the Saudi league, he stated, "The Saudi Football Federation is making tremendous efforts, and the league is becoming more competitive. However, to truly reach the top level of world competition, it is essential to expand the talent pool and place greater emphasis on youth development. If this is achieved, it will be directly and positively reflected in the national team's performance."
Elfas acknowledged that no matter how advanced the technology becomes, referees will always be a point of contention. He said, "Referees are like goalkeepers; they can play brilliantly throughout the game, but one mistake can overshadow everything. The overall officiating at the 2026 World Cup was good, and a few controversial situations are normal in a sport that relies on human judgment."
Elfas also offered encouragement to the Arab referees: "Nothing is impossible. Confidence comes from professionalism, discipline, and thorough preparation. If you do your best in physical fitness and preparation, opportunities will naturally come to you."
At the end of the interview, Elfas also selected his favorite team in this tournament. He said, "Before becoming a referee, I was first and foremost a fan, and my favorite team to watch is Cape Verde. They play boldly and bravely, daring to attack and creating brilliance, which is the true essence of football."
