Katia Itzel García is making history as she is set to become the first woman in two decades to center referee a Liga MX match, according to the Mexico federation's referee's commission. The 31-year-old recently officiated the Concacaf W Gold Cup semifinal match between the U.S. women's national team and Canada, and she will now travel back to Mexico to officiate the upcoming game between Pachuca and Querétaro at the Estadio Hidalgo this Saturday.
This milestone marks only the second time that Liga MX will have a female center referee, with the last instance dating back to 2004 when Virginia Tovar officiated a match. García, who was born in Mexico City and has been officiating at the professional level since 2016, has an impressive resume that includes participation in prestigious competitions such as the 2023 Women's World Cup, She Believes Cup, Liga MX Femenil, and Liga de Expansión.
Following her duties in the Liga MX match, García will return to the U.S. to officiate the W Gold Cup final between the USWNT and Brazil at San Diego's Snapdragon Stadium on Sunday. Her experience and expertise have been evident, especially in challenging situations like the rain-soaked pitch during the recent W Gold Cup semifinal, where she managed the game despite the adverse conditions.
Pachuca, currently positioned third in the standings based on goal differential, will have an opportunity to claim the top spot in the Liga MX table when they face Querétaro, who are currently in the 10th position. García's upcoming role in the Liga MX match signifies a significant step forward for women in sports officiating and highlights her capabilities as a respected referee in the soccer world.
