Japanese female referee set to make history at Qatar World Cup

Yamashita is one three women picked in a pool of 36 head referees for the men's World Cup in Qatar, which opens in just under five months on November 21.

It's the first time a female will be in charge on soccer's largest stage. Joining Yamashita as head referee will be Stephanie Frappart of France and Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda. In 2021, Yamashita became the first woman to officiate men's professional game in the domestic J. League and this past April was the first to referee in the Asian Champions League. Her selection also puts the focus on Japan's low ranking on most measures of equal pay for women, and in global studies of gender equality.