Mexican Referee Katia García to Officiate at Men's World Cup, Hailed as Inspiration

Mexican referee Katia García is set to make history as the third woman to officiate a match in a men's FIFA World Cup. She is scheduled to take charge of the Group F game between Tunisia and the Netherlands on Thursday in Kansas City, USA.

President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico lauded García's achievement, emphasizing its significance in breaking down stigmas and challenging traditional views of women's roles. "Look how all stigmas are broken, the vision that existed of women," Sheinbaum remarked during her morning press conference, celebrating García's success as a testament to her effort.

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Many congratulations to Katia. See how all stigmas are broken, the vision that existed of women.

García's appointment follows in the footsteps of French referee Stéphanie Frappart, who officiated Germany vs. Costa Rica at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and American referee Tori Penso, who recently oversaw the Czech Republic vs. South Africa match. García, born in Mexico City on September 1, 1992, has a notable career, having previously officiated in the men's Gold Cup and the 2023 Women's World Cup, as well as the Paris 2024 Olympics.

She will be assisted by compatriot Sandra Ramírez and Spaniard José Enrique Naranjo on the sidelines, with Paraguayan Juan Gabriel Benítez serving as the fourth official. García has already served as a fourth official in several matches during the current tournament. Meanwhile, Tori Penso is also assigned to officiate the Ecuador vs. Germany match on the same day.

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Among other things, it is due to Katia's effort. Obviously. Many congratulations to her and she is an example for all the girls in Mexico, girls and boys and for all the girls and boys in the world that women can be whatever we want to be. Many congratulations, really, she is an example.