Meet the Trailblazers: The First All‑Female Referee Crew for a Men’s World Cup Match
Picture it: a bustling stadium, thunderous chants, and—surprise!—three women wearing black and white kits steering the game. That’s exactly what Fifa announced on Tuesday (Nov 29):
Who’s Leading the Charge?
- Stephanie Frappart (France) – the main referee. The 38‑year‑old has already broken a bunch of records: she was the first female to officiate a men’s World Cup qualifier in March 2020 and the first woman to referee a Champions League match the same year.
- Neuza Back (Brazil) – first assistant. She’s bringing the samba flair to the lane.
- Karen Diaz (Mexico) – second assistant. With her sharp eye, she’s ready to spot any misstep.
These three beauties will steer the Costa Rica vs Germany Group E clash on Thursday. No one can argue that they’ve got the “ref‑so‑nice” factor—just trust us, the ball can’t afford to be lax when these ladies are on the pitch!
Other Women Who’re Also In the Mix
Fifa isn’t stopping at this trio. The tournament also has:
- Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda)
- Yamashita Yoshimi (Japan)
All of them are turning heads and proving that football regulation knows no gender boundaries.
Why This Matters
History is written in moments like this. It’s not just about scorelines; it’s about showing younger generations that the referee’s whistle is a universal instrument, irrespective of who holds it.
The Moment to Watch
Put on your fan gear, grab a popcorn, and enjoy the game. Behind every pass and every penalty, remember the trio that’s turning the commentary into a celebration of progress.
