Katia Itzel García: Mexico's Trailblazing Referee Making World Cup History

Published: July 4, 2026

While Argentina and Cape Verde delivered one of the most dramatic matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, another remarkable story unfolded on the sidelines. Katia Itzel García, Mexico's pioneering international referee, once again demonstrated why she has become one of the most respected officials in world football.

Serving as the Fourth Official, García expertly managed the technical areas during Argentina's thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the Round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Her calm authority and professionalism helped ensure the smooth management of one of the tournament's most intense knockout matches.

A Demanding World Cup Assignment

The Round of 32 encounter featured relentless intensity, emotional moments, and numerous tactical changes from both benches.

Throughout the 120-minute contest, García successfully supervised 11 substitutions—five made by Argentina and six by Cape Verde—while maintaining order in the technical areas during several high-pressure situations.

Her composed presence allowed the officiating team to focus entirely on the match as Argentina eventually secured qualification for the Round of 16.

The Complete Officiating Team

FIFA appointed an experienced multinational crew for the knockout clash:

Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada) Assistant Referee 1: Michael Barwegen (Canada) Assistant Referee 2: Lyes Arfa (Canada) Fourth Official: Katia Itzel García (Mexico) Reserve Assistant Referee: Sandra Ramírez (Mexico) VAR: Armando Villarreal (USA) AVAR: Ivan Bebek (Croatia) Support VAR: Tatiana Guzmán (Nicaragua)

The team's performance received praise for managing a physically demanding match that produced five goals and required extra time to determine the winner.

Breaking New Ground

At just 33 years old, Katia Itzel García continues to rewrite football history.

Earlier in the tournament, she became the first Mexican woman ever to referee a men's FIFA World Cup match, taking charge of the Group Stage encounter between the Netherlands and Tunisia on June 25.

That historic appointment further cemented her status as one of football's most influential officials.

A Rapid Rise to the Top

Born on September 1, 1992, in Mexico City, García has enjoyed a remarkable rise through the ranks of international refereeing.

Her journey includes several groundbreaking achievements:

FIFA international referee since 2019 First woman to referee a Liga de Expansión MX men's match (2022) First female referee in 20 years to officiate a Liga MX men's match (2024) Referee at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Match official at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games First woman to referee a men's CONCACAF Gold Cup match First Mexican woman to referee a men's FIFA World Cup match Excellence Beyond Football

Away from the pitch, García is equally accomplished academically.

She graduated in Political Science and Public Administration from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and is currently pursuing a law degree, combining elite officiating with higher education.

Her professionalism and leadership have made her one of the sport's most respected figures.

Among the World's Elite

García's outstanding performances have earned worldwide recognition.

She has been ranked among the best female referees in the world by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) and was named CONCACAF's top referee.

She has also received Mexico's prestigious National Sports Award, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to football and gender equality in officiating.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Katia Itzel García is one of only six female match officials selected by FIFA for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an achievement that reflects both her exceptional ability and the growing role of women at the highest level of men's football.

Every appearance she makes on the World Cup stage inspires countless young referees across Mexico, CONCACAF, and around the world.

While the players compete for football's greatest prize, Katia Itzel García continues to make history—one match at a time.