The match between France and Spain at the 2026 World Cup sparked an unexpected trend on social media, although this time it was not related to a goal or a refereeing controversy.
The protagonist was Salvadoran referee Iván Barton, who began going viral after dozens of users commented that he bore a curious resemblance to the Oompa Loompas, the memorable characters from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The comparisons quickly multiplied on X, where edits, memes, and jokes appeared and were soon shared among the fans following the match.
Beyond the humor on social media, Barton is one of Concacaf’s most experienced referees and has officiated international matches for several years, including at this 2026 World Cup.
As often happens during major tournaments, a physical detail was enough for the internet to do its thing and turn the referee into one of the day’s most talked-about topics.