Salvadoran referee Iván Barton has earned international recognition after being ranked as the highest-rated official following the conclusion of the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Refereeing.world, a platform specializing in referee performance analysis.
The evaluation placed Barton at the top of the rankings, ahead of England’s Anthony Taylor and Egypt’s Adham Makhadmeh, highlighting the consistency and quality of his officiating during one of football’s most demanding tournaments.
According to the assessment, the top-ranked referees distinguished themselves through confident decision-making, excellent positioning on the field, effective match control, and consistent application of the Laws of the Game under high-pressure conditions.
Barton’s performance adds to his growing international reputation as one of the sport’s leading referees and represents another milestone for Salvadoran football on the global stage. His appointments in major international competitions have continued to showcase the country’s presence at the highest level of world football.
The recognition has been widely celebrated in El Salvador, where Barton’s achievements are viewed as a source of national pride and a reflection of the country’s continued contribution to international football through excellence in officiating.