Katia Itzel García, from breaking barriers in Mexico to the global elite

The story of Katia Itzel García is no longer just inspiring — it is historic. The Mexican referee has been selected by FIFA as one of the central referees for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the first Mexican female referee to officiate in a men’s World Cup.

Her name appears among an exclusive group of 52 central referees chosen from across six confederations, for a tournament that will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. But what truly shakes Mexican football is not just her presence… it’s what it represents.

For decades, refereeing in Mexico was a space virtually inaccessible to women. Today, García didn’t just enter — she took it over.

A meteoric rise that surprises and sparks debate

At just 33 years old, Katia Itzel has built a career defined by talent, discipline, and defining moments. Her breakthrough came in 2024, when she became the first woman in over 20 years to officiate a Liga MX men’s match (Pachuca vs Querétaro).

From that point on, her rise was unstoppable. She has held a FIFA badge since 2019, participated in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and officiated at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, including the bronze medal match.

She was also ranked as the sixth best referee in the world in 2024 and 2025 by the IFFHS, and the top referee in Concacaf, cementing her place among the elite.

According to FIFA, her selection was no coincidence. She was part of a group monitored over the last three years, with constant evaluations in international competitions and high-level physical and mental preparation.

Copa Oro breakthrough, controversy, and an ongoing debate

One of the most symbolic moments of her career came when she officiated a men’s Copa Oro match, becoming the first Mexican female referee to do so. That milestone placed her firmly on the international radar… but also ignited debate.

Not everyone is convinced. Some voices within refereeing circles question whether her experience is enough for a World Cup. Others see her appointment as a necessary step in the evolution of football.

The reality is that her presence at the 2026 World Cup is no accident. It is part of a trend FIFA has been pushing since Qatar 2022, when women were first integrated into men’s refereeing at the highest level.

In this edition, only six female referees were selected, making Katia Itzel part of a small but increasingly influential group.

Mexico will also have a strong refereeing team

Katia Itzel will not be alone. The list also includes César Ramos, who will officiate his third World Cup, along with assistants Marco Bisguerra, Alberto Morin, and Sandra Ramírez, plus VAR officials Erick Miranda and Guillermo Pacheco.

According to Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s head of referees, those selected are “the best in the world,” following an exhaustive process of monitoring, preparation, and evaluation.

FIFA also confirmed that the refereeing team for the 2026 World Cup will be larger than in Qatar 2022 under the “Team One” concept, raising the level of competition and demand.

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