Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL THERE BE FEMALE REFEREES AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
The inclusion of women in refereeing at the men's World Cup is more than a trend: it's a reality that began in Qatar 2022 and promises to continue strong in 2026. But how likely is it that there will be female referees officiating key matches? Are they ready to referee a final? With official data, performance statistics, and a historical overview, we answer with clarity and football passion whether we will see more women officiating at the 2026 World Cup.
The Path of Women in Refereeing
For decades, refereeing was almost exclusively male territory. But in recent years, the landscape has changed radically. Today, women not only referee high-level matches in men's leagues, but they are also making history in world tournaments. This process has been long, full of obstacles, but also of achievements that have marked a turning point.
From Invisibility to Prominence
The first woman to referee an official men's FIFA match was Nicole Petignat in 2003, in the Europa League. But the big leap came in 2022, when Stéphanie Frappart officiated the Germany vs. Costa Rica match in Qatar. She was the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. This broke barriers and opened doors. FIFA's Support: FIFA has shown a clear commitment to women's inclusion. In Qatar 2022, for the first time in history, six women referees were appointed to a men's World Cup: three center referees and three assistant referees. This wasn't just symbolic: it was a powerful message that women are ready to officiate at the highest level. In 2022, there were 129 active female referees in men's leagues globally. 85% of FIFA member associations already have women in their elite refereeing bodies. Frappart has a 97% accuracy rate in decisions according to UEFA data. The road to 2026 is underway, and female referees are no longer an exception: they are part of the game.
How many female referees will we see in 2026?
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, expectations are growing regarding female participation in refereeing. Although the official list has not yet been published, everything indicates that there will be more women than in Qatar. And not only as assistant referees, but also in leading roles, as head referees or even in VAR.
Performance-based projections
FIFA bases its referee selections on constant performance evaluations. Today, several female referees lead rankings in accuracy, game management, and physical preparation. Frappart (France), Yamashita (Japan), and Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda) are recurring names. Their performances in FIFA and confederation tournaments position them as strong candidates for 2026. Will they be able to referee a final? The next natural step would be to see a female referee in knockout stages or even a final. Does that sound far off? Not so much. UEFA and CONMEBOL have already allowed women to referee men's semi-final matches in official tournaments. The decision will depend on their performance in the months leading up to the tournament. At the 2023 Women's World Cup, 61% of female referees used VAR without any reported errors. In CONCACAF, female referees officiated 17% of men's under-20 matches in 2022. Frappart has already refereed a UEFA Super Cup final (Liverpool vs. Chelsea, 2019). FIFA has trained more than 500 female referees in the last four years. All indications are that in 2026 we will not only see not just referees, but they could play a historic role. It would be a bombshell if a woman officiated a quarter-final or semi-final match. And if that happens, football would make history again.
What do the players and the public think?
The inclusion of women in refereeing has generated all kinds of reactions. Some see it as a logical evolution of the sport, while others still hold prejudices. But beyond opinions, the data shows growing acceptance from both players and the public.
Players who support the change
Big names like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mbappé have praised the professionalism of referees like Frappart. In interviews, they have stated that "authority and judgment have no gender." In matches officiated by women, referee complaints do not exceed the regular average, indicating that respect is present on the field. The fans also weigh in. A 2023 FIFA survey of more than 50,000 fans revealed that 72% support having more female referees in men's tournaments. However, 24% still have doubts about their ability in high-pressure matches. This shows that, although progress has been made, there is still work to be done to eliminate stereotypes. 89% of the female referees surveyed report having faced sexist attitudes in their early years. 64% of fans say that the referee's gender "does not affect authority on the field." In matches officiated by women, there were 15% fewer cards issued for protests. More than 40% of active female referees in FIFA come from African and Asian countries. Acceptance is growing, respect is growing, and most importantly: female referees are proving themselves with their actions. who deserve to be among the elite of world refereeing.
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