Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga made history in Qatar by becoming the first Female African Referee to officiate in a Men’s FIFA World Cup.

Mukansanga was on duty as the fourth official in a Group D match involving defending Champions France and Australia.

The 34-year-old, Mukansanga, who hit the headlines in January when she became the first woman to officiate at the men’s 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, was selected with other women referees Stephanie Frappart from France and Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita.

Mukansanga made history at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when she was appointed as the center Referee for the game involving Zimbabwe and Guinea.

“It was very exciting, and this is a privilege for me. I had never dreamed to go to the men’s World Cup,” Mukansanga told FIFA.com following her appointment.

“The first time I was nominated to go to a World Cup, was in France for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, so my next target was more at the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2023.

“Being appointed to the Men’s World Cup is something new, another opportunity we get. It means FIFA recognises that women are working hard, that we are providing quality refereeing and that we can deliver and reach higher, up to the top of the men’s game.”

It is a great achievement for Mukansanga and hopefully she will get a chance to be the Center Referee in one of the many matches in Qatar.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer