Tori Penso breaks barrier as first U.S. woman to referee a FIFA Men's World Cup match

Tori Penso, a 40‑year‑old referee from Florida, became the first American woman – and the second woman overall – to officiate a match at the FIFA Men's World Cup. She led an all‑female U.S. officiating team that oversaw two group‑stage games in June: South Africa versus the Czech Republic and Ecuador versus Germany. Penso also made history as the first full‑time female referee in Major League Soccer. Of the 170 officials selected for the tournament, only six were women, highlighting the rarity of such breakthroughs.

Penso described the moment as a step toward greater inclusion, noting the online misogyny she faces and emphasizing that "women have a place in sport and in leadership roles." During the matches she issued seven cautions, awarded a penalty to South Africa, and declined a foul call against Germany, drawing reactions from fans and players alike.