Tori Penso Makes History as Second Woman to Officiate Men's World Cup Match Stuart, Florida native Tori Penso will officiate a men’s World Cup match between Czechia and South Africa during the second week of the FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the second woman in history to referee a men’s World Cup game. Penso’s assignment highlights her growing influence in international soccer and underscores the gradual expansion of women’s roles in the sport’s highest echelons. Penso’s role in the Group A stage match follows her groundbreaking work in 2020, when she became the first woman to referee an MLS match in over two decades. Her career has since accelerated, leading to her inclusion in the FIFA international referee panel in 2021. Two years later, she made her mark on the global stage by officiating the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final, where Spain defeated England 1-0 in Australia. This achievement solidified her reputation as a top-tier official, paving the way for her current assignment at the men’s World Cup. The Czechia-South Africa match will be overseen by Penso, alongside her crew members Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, forming the only all-woman refereeing trio at this year’s tournament. This development is a significant step toward greater gender diversity in soccer officiating, a field that has historically been dominated by men. Penso’s presence on the field also represents a proud moment for her hometown of Stuart, Florida, where she is a native and a graduate of Martin County High School. Her journey to this point has been marked by steady progression. After her MLS debut in 2020, Penso joined the FIFA international referee panel, allowing her to officiate at major tournaments.#south_africa #czechia #fifa_world_cup #tori_penso #stephanie_frappart
