Eswatini Video Match Official Letticia Viana has concluded her FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup campaign in Poland, having earned eight assignments at the global tournament. The competition, which took place in Łódź, ended on Sunday with Spain defeating defending champions South Korea on penalties to lift the trophy. Viana's participation in the tournament marked a significant milestone for Eswatini's presence at one of FIFA's major women's tournaments.
Viana's last confirmed appointment was in the semi-finals, where she served as the Support Video Assistant Referee (SVAR) when Italy faced Spain on September 23. This assignment brought her tally to eight matches at the tournament, which started on September 5. Her roles included Assistant VAR during Poland's match against Argentina and taking up the main VAR role for Costa Rica versus Colombia.
Throughout the tournament, Viana worked as AVAR for Japan versus the United States and as VAR for Colombia against Portugal during the group stage. Her fifth assignment came as AVAR for Korea Republic versus Ecuador before she moved into the knockout phase. Viana was appointed VAR for Poland's Round of 16 clash against Colombia before serving as SVAR for Korea Republic versus Italy in the quarter-finals.
The tournament served as an important development platform for FIFA's women match officials, with FIFA Head of Women's Refereeing Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb describing Poland 2026 as an important step towards the International Federation of Association of Football (FIFA) Women's World Cup Brazil 2027. A total of 68 match officials from 43 member associations were involved in the Poland tournament.
For the first time at the U20 Women's World Cup, VAR was used, enhancing the accuracy of refereeing decisions. Viana's participation in the tournament adds another major FIFA tournament to her growing international résumé, which includes appointments at the Africa Cup of Nations, Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and CAF Champions League final.
The involvement of 68 match officials from 43 member associations in the tournament highlights FIFA's commitment to developing women's refereeing globally. This development is crucial as the organization prepares for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.
Viana's achievement demonstrates Eswatini's growing presence in international football refereeing. Her successful participation in the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup campaign is expected to inspire more officials from Eswatini to pursue careers in international refereeing.
Key points
- Letticia Viana completed her FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup campaign with eight assignments.
- The tournament marked the first use of VAR at the U20 Women's World Cup.
- Viana's participation adds to her growing international résumé in football refereeing.
