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2 clusters · 5 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: SPORTS

Tori Penso first US woman World Cup referee

Entities: Tori Penso · FIFA · United States · Major League Soccer · World Cup

Overview

In July 2026, 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 handled two group‑stage games (South Africa vs Czech Republic and Ecuador vs Germany). Penso also marked a milestone as Major League Soccer’s first full‑time female referee. Of the 170 officials selected for the tournament, only six were women, underscoring the rarity of the achievement. During the matches she issued seven cautions, awarded a penalty to South Africa, and made a key hand‑ball decision. She framed the breakthrough as a step toward greater inclusion for women in sport and leadership roles.

Timeline

  1. about 21 hours ago

    [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Tori Penso breaks barrier as first U.S. woman to referee a FIFA Men's World Cup match

    U.S. referee Tori Penso became the first American woman to officiate a FIFA Men's World Cup match, leading an all‑female team in two group games and marking a historic milestone for gender equality in football.

  2. 3 days ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Tori Penso becomes first American woman to referee a men’s World Cup match

    Tori Penso became the first American woman and second ever to referee a men’s World Cup match, leading an all‑female crew and joining a 3.5% share of women officials.

Sources

abc17news.com · cryptobriefing.com · keyt.com · liveblogwp.wtop.com · localnews8.com