Stephanie Frappart: First women referee in men's World Cup game

On Thursday, when Germany and Costa Rica take to the field for their World Cup clash, the attention will be on Stephanie Frappart, the official referee for the match. Stephanie Frappart will be the first women referee to officiate in a men's World Cup game.

This Thursday, an all-female refereeing trio will take charge of a men’s @FIFAWorldCup match for the first time.

Stéphanie Frappart will be joined by assistants Neuza Back and Karen Diaz in overseeing @fedefutbolcrc against @DFB_Team. History in the making! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/KusT7SOUn9 — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) November 29, 2022

France's Stephanie Frappart is one of three women referees among the 36 selected for the tournament in Qatar, alongside Rwandan official Salima Mukansanga and Japan's Yoshimi Yamashita. Additionally, three female referees have travelled to Qatar as assistant referees. Frappart is no stranger to big games. She was the first woman to referee in France's Ligue 1 in 2019, the same year she took charge of the women's World Cup final in her home country. Frappart also officiated the 2019 UEFA Super Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea before refereeing the Champions League in 2020 and the French Cup final last season.