The International Football Federation announced the appointment of Salvadoran referee Ivan Barton to manage the crucial encounter 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 Monterrey stadium.

Barton is considered one of the top referees in the CONCACAF region, with an international career that began in 2018. He is known for his disciplinary strictness on the field, earning him the nickname 'Lover of Red Cards,' having issued more than 108 red cards during his career.

He is also known for his frequent use of colored cards, with an average of more than five yellow cards per match, indicating a match managed with high firmness from the start whistle.

Outside the stadiums, 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 in managing major matches in the Saudi Professional League 'Roshn League,' where he led important encounters for clubs like Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, and Al-Shabab, gaining familiarity with the unique crowd atmosphere and high pressure in the region.

Internationally, Barton participated in managing 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 under a strict refereeing standard that requires high discipline and avoiding unnecessary contacts, especially in a match decided by small details and potentially extending to extra time.