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Katia Itzel García made history on June 25, 2026, by becoming the first Mexican woman and the first Latin American woman to referee a men's World Cup match, officiating the Group F game between Tunisia and the Netherlands in Kansas City. Source: excelsiormx, mileniomx, hoydo
García, 33, from Mexico City, wore a black uniform with green, white, and red stripes as a tribute by FIFA. Source: excelsiormx, infobae She was joined by assistant referee Sandra Ramírez, also Mexican. The match ended 3-1 for the Netherlands, with García issuing no cards and maintaining control throughout. Source: excelsiormx
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised García's achievement, calling it "an extraordinary effort" and a sign of women's advancement. Source: heraldomx, lajornadamx Other officials, including Senate President Laura Itzel Castillo and Supreme Court Minister Yasmín Esquivel, also congratulated her, highlighting that "each logro de una mujer abre camino para muchas más." Source: infobae The event was widely seen as breaking barriers in a sport historically dominated by men. Source: mileniomx, hoydo
García began refereeing in 2015 after playing football for UNAM, where she studied Political Science. She earned her FIFA badge in 2019 and has officiated at the women's U-17 World Cup, Gold Cup, and Olympics. Source: elcolombiano, hoydo Her debut follows pioneers Stéphanie Frappart (France) and Tori Penso (USA). Source: hoydo
“Katia Itzel García se convirtió en la primera mujer mexicana en dirigir como árbitra central un partido de una Copa del Mundo varonil.”
“Katia Itzel García Mendoza se convirtió en la primera mexicana en arbitrar como juez central en una Copa del Mundo varonil.”
“La presencia de las árbitras mexicanas Katia Itzel García y Sandra Ramírez en la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 refleja el avance de las mujeres en espacios que durante años estuvieron reservados para los hombres.”
“Laura Itzel Castillo... afirmó que este hecho refleja 'el talento, la preparación y la capacidad de las mujeres mexicanas' en el máximo escenario del futbol.”
“García, de 33 años, fue designada para dirigir el duelo Túnez vs. Países Bajos... será la primera árbitra de América Latina en tener esa responsabilidad.”
“Katia García se convierte en la primera jueza latina en dirigir en una Copa del Mundo de mayores masculina.”