The Netherlands national football team will make history by having a female referee in a World Cup match for the first time. The Mexican Katia García has been appointed for the last group match of Oranje, against Tunisia.

What happened?

The Netherlands national football team starts on Thursday night at 1.00 am (Dutch time) with the last group match against Tunisia. The Netherlands national football team is leading in group F and almost certain of the knockout phase.

Why is this important for the Netherlands national football team?

García becomes the third female referee ever in a World Cup for men, after Stéphanie Frappart and Tori Penso. Penso previously refereed the group match between South Africa and the Czech Republic in this World Cup.

What comes next?

The Netherlands national football team won 5-1 against Sweden on June 20, 2026. The next match is against Tunisia on June 25, 2026. | Date | Opponent | Score | | --- | --- | --- | | 2026-06-20 | Sweden | 5-1 | | 2026-06-25 | Tunisia | -