Stephanie Frappart and Salima Mukansanga made history when they became the first women to officiate at a men’s World Cup after being named fourth officials in Tuesday’s Group C clashes.
Frappart and Mukansanga are one of three women to be included on FIFA's list of 129 referees for the World Cup in Qatar, with Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita also set to officiate. The inclusions mark the first time female referees will feature at the showpiece tournament.
Frappart was the first of the trio to take to the pitch, with the French official overseeing the goalless draw between Mexico and Poland at Stadium 974 on Tuesday afternoon. Hours later, Rwanda’s Mukansanga oversaw France’s emphatic 4-1 opening victory over Australia.
