| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| Trailblazers | The first person to do something or go somewhere, who shows that it is also possible for others to do the same. |
| Referee | An official who enforces the rules in a sports game. |
| Officiating | Officially taking charge of something. |
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the world’s biggest soccer tournament, will make history with the inclusion of two female main referees. Katia Itzel García from Mexico is one of these trailblazers. She is the only woman from Mexico chosen as a main referee among 52 referees worldwide. The World Cup will take place in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, between June 11 and July 19.
The tournament will have an expanded lineup, featuring 48 teams playing 104 matches. This requires the largest officiating crew ever, with 170 members, including seven from Mexico. The main referees from Mexico include García and César Ramos. García, 32, will be officiating her first men’s World Cup. She has a significant history with women’s soccer, having worked in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
García became the first woman in 20 years to referee a top-division men’s match in Mexico. She also made history in the United States by refereeing a men’s national team match. Alongside García, Tori Penso from Florida will become the first American woman to be a head referee in a men’s World Cup. In total, six female officials will participate this year, including three assistant referees and one video official.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English | Spanish |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Torneo |
| Referee | Árbitro |
| History | Historia |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think it is important to have female referees in men’s tournaments?
- How does having more teams and matches affect the World Cup?
- What challenges do you think referees face during top-level competitions?
Let’s Write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph
- Describe the significance of Katia Itzel García’s role in the 2026 World Cup.
- What do you think could be the impact of having more women in sports officiating?
