Female Referees to Officiate Upcoming Germany and Netherlands Matches

Two female officials, American Tori Penso and Mexican Katia Garcia, have been appointed as head referees for matches in the third round of the World Cup, FIFA announced.

Penso will officiate the clash between Germany and Ecuador. This will be the American's second match at the tournament, having previously overseen the 1-1 draw between the Czech Republic and South Africa. She becomes only the second woman to serve as a head referee at a World Cup, following France's Stéphanie Frappart, who refereed Germany's 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in the championship in Qatar four years ago.

Katia Garcia and her team will take charge of the match between Tunisia and the Netherlands, scheduled for June 26.