Mexico City native Katia Itzel Garcia is set to become just the third woman in history to referee a men's FIFA World Cup match, taking charge of Tunisia's final Group F fixture against Netherlands on Thursday.

The 33-year-old Garcia earned her appointment after a landmark 2024 in which she became the first female referee to officiate in Mexico's men's top flight in two decades, before going on to represent her country at the Paris Olympics later that year.

Garcia will be joined on the touchlines by assistant referees Sandra Ramirez of Mexico and José Enrique Naranjo Perez of Spain. Paraguay's Juan Gabriel Benitez serves as the fourth official, with compatriot Milciades Saldivar acting as reserve assistant. Details of the VAR panel have yet to be confirmed.

Standing on the shoulders of giants

Garcia follows in the footsteps of France's Stephanie Frappart, who broke new ground at the 2022 World Cup, and American Tori Penso, who officiated earlier in this tournament — making the trio a historic set of trailblazers in men's football.

What is at stake in Group F

While Tunisia are already eliminated from the competition — having suffered defeats to both Japan and Sweden — Thursday's match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri still carries real significance. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm local time, or midnight in the UK.

Netherlands will be eager to seal top spot in Group F and cannot afford to be complacent. A slip-up against Tunisia could allow Japan to leapfrog them on goal difference and claim first place — making this a must-win assignment in all but name for the Dutch.

Tunisia, for their part, arrive with nothing left to lose and the rare luxury of playing without pressure — a combination that has historically produced upsets at major tournaments.