On June 18, 2026, Tori Penso stepped onto the field in Atlanta and became the first American woman to referee a men’s FIFA World Cup match. The game between Czechia and South Africa not only marked a historic moment for Penso but also featured an all-female, all-American officiating team, with Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt assisting on the sidelines.
Penso is only the second woman ever to serve as head referee in a men’s World Cup game, following France’s Stéphanie Frappart, who made history in 2022. Penso’s journey includes officiating the Major League Soccer regular season in 2020 the first woman to do so in over 20 years and leading the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Now, she’s proven her capability on soccer’s biggest men’s stage.
During the intense Czechia vs. South Africa match, Penso made critical calls, including a late penalty that tested her nerves and skill under immense global scrutiny. Her confident management of the game gives credence to FIFA’s ongoing effort to diversify refereeing crews.
FIFA’s commitment to inclusion aligns with the 2026 World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams and 104 matches the largest in tournament history. This growth demands more officials, and a broader, more diverse pool is reshaping the face of football officiating worldwide.
