Tori Penso Makes History: Second Woman to Officiate a Men's World Cup Match

Jun 18, 2026

American referee Tori Penso is set to make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming just the second female referee in history to officiate a men's World Cup match.

The FIFA Referees Committee confirmed on June 15, 2026, that Penso will take charge of the Group A clash between Czechia and South Africa at Atlanta Stadium. The match is scheduled for Thursday, June 18.

Penso, a 39-year-old from Florida, follows in the footsteps of French referee Stéphanie Frappart, who became the first woman to officiate a men's World Cup match at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Making the occasion even more significant, Penso will be supported by an all-female crew of fellow Americans. Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt will serve as assistant referees, forming the only all-woman on-field officiating trio at the 2026 World Cup. This marks the first time an all-female crew from the United States has officiated a men's World Cup match.

A Career Defined by Breaking Barriers

Penso's path to this historic moment has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements. She began refereeing at the age of 14 "to make some extra money" and began taking it more seriously at 18 when she attended an Olympic Development Program refereeing camp.

In September 2020, she became the first woman in more than 20 years to referee a Major League Soccer (MLS) match. Her consistent performance earned her a place on FIFA's international referees panel in 2021, opening the door to assignments on the global stage.

Her career reached new heights in 2023 when she was entrusted with officiating the Women's World Cup final, where Spain defeated England. That same year, she also led the first all-female officiating crew in a men's Concacaf competition, further cementing her reputation as a pioneer.

Prior to the 2026 World Cup, Penso also officiated the U20 Women's World Cup final and was the only female referee assigned to officiate two matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

High Stakes on the Pitch

The match between Czechia and South Africa carries significant weight for both teams. Both nations enter the fixture under pressure, having lost their opening matches—Czechia falling 2-1 to South Korea, and South Africa suffering a 2-0 defeat against Mexico.

While the stakes are high for the teams, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Penso and her crew, whose presence symbolizes progress in a traditionally male-dominated arena.

A Symbol of Progress

Penso's appointment is not only a recognition of her technical expertise but also a powerful statement about inclusivity in football. Her achievement serves as both inspiration and validation for aspiring female referees worldwide, demonstrating that excellence, not gender, defines capability.

As the world watches Czechia and South Africa battle for crucial points, millions will also witness history being made by Tori Penso and her all-female crew.