The referee for the Japan vs Tunisia World Cup match will take the field in a special kit. What's the story?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will witness a historic milestone: the clash between Japan and Tunisia will mark the 1,000th match in the tournament's history, and the referee will step onto the pitch in a special kit adorned with golden accents.

Romanian official István Kovács has received a unique set of gear, designed exclusively for this occasion. His uniform will feature golden stripes and a commemorative badge inscribed with “Match No. 1000.”

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This milestone comes 96 years after the inaugural World Cup, which took place in Uruguay in 1930.

It’s worth noting that Japan and Tunisia will take the field on June 21 at 6:00 a.m. Central European Time.