File photo: Katia Garcia has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2019. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Netherlands will look to seal its spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts when it takes on Tunisia in the Group F clash at the Kansas City Stadium on Thursday.

The Dutch are coming off a 5-1 win against Sweden in their previous game, while Tunisia confirmed its elimination from the quadrennial tournament with a 0-4 loss against Japan.

Who is the referee for the Tunisia vs Netherlands Group F match?

The Tunisia vs Netherlands Group F match will be overseen by Mexican referee Katia Itzel García.

She is one of the six female officials who have been selected for the tournament in North America and will take charge of her first game on Thursday. She will also become only the third woman to take charge of a match after France Stéphanie Frappart (2022) and Tori Penso (2026).

Katia began her professional career in 2017 and primarily works in the top division in Mexico. She has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2019 and has gone on to feature in the 2023 Women’s FIFA World Cup, Paris Olympics, 2024 CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup and more.

She has officiated 71 games so far in her career, handing out 292 yellow cards (including 2 second yellows) and six red cards in that period.

Full list of match officials for Tunisia vs Netherlands Group F match

• Referee: Katia Garcia (Mexico)
• Assistant Referee 1: Sandra Ramirez (Mexico)
• Assistant Referee 2: Jose Enrique Naranjo (Spain)
• Fourth Official: Juan Gabriel Benitez (Paraguay)
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Milciades Saldivar (Paraguay)

Published on Jun 25, 2026