El Salvador’s Football Federation (FESFUT) hosted a ceremony led by President Yamil Bukele to recognize international referees Iván Barton and David Morán following their landmark performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Family members, sports officials, and special guests gathered to honor the duo’s dedication and world-class officiating, which brought national pride to the international stage. As part of the tribute, each referee was awarded a commemorative plaque, a career achievement trophy, and a $2,500 financial bonus.
During the tournament, Barton and Morán officiated four matches, culminating in the high-stakes semifinal between France and Spain. This campaign brought their combined career total to seven World Cup matches, officially setting a new record as the Central American referees with the most appearances in World Cup history. FESFUT officials highlighted that their discipline and preparation serve as a vital benchmark for the next generation of Salvadoran match officials.
Reflecting on the achievement, Barton described representing El Salvador as the pinnacle of his career while expressing strong confidence in the future of the domestic game. “My greatest reward is having had the privilege and pride of representing El Salvador. I believe we are seeing tangible changes that will undoubtedly yield results over time,” he shared. He also voiced his hope to see the Salvadoran national team return to world football’s biggest stage in upcoming cycles.
Morán emphasized that the historic milestone was a collective victory deeply rooted in family and institutional support. “We are the first Central Americans to reach a stage like this, but behind this achievement are many people who worked to help us get here,” Morán remarked, noting that their success reflects the ongoing progress of Salvadoran refereeing on the global stage.