Stephanie Frappart became the first woman to referee a men’s World Cup match in 2022, officiating the Netherlands vs Argentina quarterfinal in Doha, Qatar, on December 10, 2022. The milestone marked a historic shift in global football governance, as Frappart, a French referee, joined a small but growing cohort of women who have broken barriers in men’s international competitions.
Frappart’s appointment followed a decades-long effort by FIFA and global football bodies to diversify officiating roles. Her match, which saw the Netherlands advance to the semifinals with a 3-2 victory, was one of three World Cup games officiated by women in 2022. The other two were led by Michelle O’Neale of Ireland and Sarah Ndaye of Cameroon, both of whom refereed group-stage matches. The trio’s inclusion underscored a broader push for gender equality in football leadership, though challenges remain in achieving full representation.
Breaking Barriers: The Road to the 2022 World Cup
FIFA’s decision to appoint women referees for the 2022 World Cup was the culmination of gradual progress. Prior to 2022, no woman had ever served as a central referee in a men’s World Cup match. The first step came in 2019, when FIFA announced a pilot program to evaluate female officials for top-tier men’s competitions. By 2021, the organization had expanded its criteria, allowing women to qualify for the FIFA Referees List, which includes officials eligible for World Cup assignments.
Frappart, 36 at the time, had already made history in 2020 as the first woman to referee a UEFA Champions League match, overseeing a Group H game between Paris Saint-Germain and Galatasaray. Her 2022 World Cup appointment followed a 15-year career in professional football, including roles in the French Ligue 1 and the 2019 Women’s World Cup. “It’s a privilege to be part of this moment,” Frappart said in a post-match interview. “This is a step forward for everyone who believes in equality in football.”
O’Neale, 39, and Ndaye, 35, also brought extensive experience to the
