| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Major | Big or important. |
| 2026 FIFA World Cup | The upcoming global soccer tournament for men. |
| Referee | An official who enforces the rules during a soccer match. |
Katia Itzel García will be one of the few women referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She is from Mexico and will be a main referee, which means she will run the games and make important decisions. The World Cup will start on June 11 when Mexico plays South Africa in Mexico City. This year, the tournament is bigger, with 48 teams playing 104 matches in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
García is 32 years old and has already worked at major women’s soccer events, including the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She also broke records by being the first woman to referee a U.S. men’s national team match. Another woman referee, Tori Penso from Florida, will join García as the first American woman to referee at a men’s World Cup.
In total, there will be six female officials in this World Cup. This includes two main referees, three assistant referees, and one video official. These women are making history by showing that they can referee in big events too!
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Referee | Réferi |
| Soccer | Sóccer |
| Official | Oficial |
Time to discuss
- Why is it important for women to be referees in the World Cup?
- How do you think Katia Itzel García feels about being chosen for the World Cup?
- What do you think makes a good referee?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Explain why having women referees in the World Cup is a big achievement.
- Describe the role of a referee during a soccer match.
