Ismail Elfath is the most established name in the group. The report says the Austin-based official has refereed in MLS since 2012 and joined ’s international list in 2016.
His 2022 World Cup record provides the clearest measure of his standing. Elfath reportedly took charge of two group-stage matches and a last-16 tie before serving as fourth official for the final between Argentina and France.
That progression-from domestic regular to knockout-stage referee and then final official-makes Elfath the reference point for Texas’s growing influence.
Armando Villarreal followed a different path, beginning with youth matches in Brownsville before reaching MLS and ’s international list. The report says he made his MLS debut in 2012, joined ’s list in 2015, and later worked MLS Cup finals and Concacaf Gold Cup tournaments.
His role at the 2022 World Cup was as a video assistant referee. That assignment underlines how modern officiating has expanded beyond the central referee, with video officials now carrying major responsibility in decisive moments.
On the women’s side, Brooke Mayo offers another sign of Texas’s development. The report says the Garland native began refereeing at 13 and was selected as an assistant referee for the 2023 Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England.
Her rise gives the state representation across both men’s and women’s elite football, as well as across referee, assistant referee and VAR roles.
The next storyline will be ’s final appointments for 2026. Whether these officials receive match assignments remains unconfirmed, but Texas already has a credible officiating pipeline heading into the tournament.