On Wednesday, all three referees at a men’s World Cup match will be women, according to FIFA.
The Costa Rica-Germany Group E match on Thursday will feature Karen Dia, Neuza Back, and Stephanie Frappart — the main referee.
While this isn’t the first time FIFA has employed female referees — Frappart herself worked a qualifying-round game earlier this year — it is the first time an entire team will feature women at the event.
The milestone is particularly significant given that it’s taking place during a World Cup in Qatar, a country that severely curtails women’s rights.
In addition to the group working Thursday’s match, there are two other female referees at the tournament: Yamashita Yoshimi and Salima Mukansanga.
The match will determine whether Germany will advance to the Round of 16 — it needs a victory and likely a Spain victory over Japan.
![Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.](https://frontofficesports.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/USATSI_25429594_168416385_lowres-e1739674194139.jpg?quality=100&w=1024)
