Tori Penso Makes History as First U.S. Woman Referee of Men's World Cup Match

American referee Tori Penso made history on Thursday, becoming the first female referee from the United States to officiate a senior men’s FIFA World Cup match by taking charge of the Czechia versus South Africa game. Globally she is only the second woman to achieve this milestone following France's Stéphanie Frappart in 2022.

Penso delivered a smooth controversy-free performance in her tournament debut. Her historic appointment adds to an already trailblazing career in 2020 at Florida native became the first woman in over two decades to officiate a Major League Soccer (MLS) game. By 2023, she had reached the pinnacle of the women's game officiating the FIFA Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England.

After leaving a corporate advertising career to pursue refereeing full-time, Penso’s rise continues to shatter glass ceilings in international football.

Following her successful performance in the Czechia-South Africa match, she is also scheduled to officiate the upcoming group stage clash between Ecuador and Germany at the 2026 tournament.