The United States U-20 team is eliminated, but Major League Soccer fans will still see a few familiar faces if they tun into the FIFA U-20 World Cup final this Saturday.
MLS mainstay Ismail Elfath has been assigned as the referee along with an all-PRO crew for the final between Ukraine and South Korea, set for a 12 pm ET kick. He will be assisted by Kyle Atkins and Corey Parker with Alan Kelly serving as the VAR.
“This is a truly magnificent achievement and reflects on the professionalism and dedication of these officials,” said PRO general manager Howard Webb in a statement. “To be assigned to a major FIFA tournament final is a significant achievement.
The game at Lodz Stadium, Poland marks the third time US officials have taken charge of a men's final, including the second at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
PRO’s senior director of match officials Mark Geiger was the head referee for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between that year’s champion Brazil and runner-up Portugal.
Then last December, Jair Marrufo was the lead referee and among three Americans to officiate in the Club World Cup final between Real Madrid and Al Anin.
“The field of match officials at the 2019 U-20 World Cup was strong, with representatives from some of the foremost leagues and federations in the world," Webb said. "The assignment of Ismail and his team yet again demonstrates how highly US officials are regarded at international level.”
