The International Federation of Association Football announced today, Friday, the appointment of Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to officiate the decisive match between Iraq and Bolivia in the final global playoff qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, scheduled at the Monterey Stadium.

Barton is considered one of the most prominent referees in the CONCACAF region, with an international career that began in 2018. He is known for his strict disciplinary actions on the field, earning the nickname 'lover of red cards,' having issued more than 108 red cards during his career.

He is also known for frequently using colored cards, with an average of more than five yellow cards per match, indicating a game managed with high firmness from the starting whistle.

Outside the field, Barton works as a university professor in chemistry, providing him with a notable academic background alongside his strict refereeing personality. 

The Salvadoran referee has extensive experience managing major matches in the Saudi Professional League 'Roshan League,' where he led important matches for clubs like Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Shabab, gaining knowledge of the unique fan atmosphere and high pressure in the region.

Internationally, Barton participated in officiating matches during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, including strong encounters like Brazil against Germany and France against Japan, reflecting his accumulated experience in major events.

His appointment to lead the playoff final places players before a strict refereeing standard requiring high discipline and avoiding unnecessary confrontations, especially in a match decided by small details and potentially extending into overtime.