American referee Tori Penso officiates Germany‑Ecuador World Cup group match

American referee Tori Penso, 39, became the second woman to referee a men’s FIFA World Cup match when she was appointed to oversee the Group E clash between Germany and Ecuador on 25 June 2026 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium. Penso, who previously led the Czech Republic‑South Africa group game and the women’s World Cup final, received praise from former referee Frank Willenborg, who said she “made very good field decisions and many scenes did not need VAR.”

The match ended in a 2‑1 upset win for Ecuador, highlighted by a disputed high‑boot incident involving German midfielder Alexander Pavlovic that was not penalised. Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri criticised the decision, tweeting “Unbelievable how Germany goal could be allowed… Woman American referee Toni Penso is at it again,” prompting a wave of backlash and defence of Penso’s performance from commentators and former players. The game sparked debate over officiating standards and gender bias in elite football.