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First All-American Women Referee Crew Officiates Czech-South Africa Match

6/19/2026

Summary

American Referees Officiate

American crew led by referee Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, was second all-women and first all-American crew to officiate Czech Republic–South Africa match on June 18, 2026.
Penso broke an MLS gap in 2020 and refereed 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Nesbitt became first female assistant at men’s World Cup in Qatar 2022.
U.S. Soccer VP Kari Seitz said crew’s visibility should raise the 22 % share of female referees in United States.

Summary

Tori Penso Referees

Tori Penso referees the A-clash between Czechia and South Africa, assisted by fourth official Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh and VAR Tatiana Guzman.
She follows a fitness program with daily workouts, sprint coaching, strength training, cognitive drills and recovery to match the pace of stars like Kylian Mbappé.
She favors keeping play flowing, intervening only for clear fouls, and during 109 matches issued 423 yellows, four reds and 37 yellows in nine games.

History

Historical Context

In 1999 the United States hosted the FIFA Women’s World Cup, expanding the field to 16 teams and drawing a record 90,185 spectators for the July 10 final. The tournament’s high profile sparked a steady growth of women officials, a shift that continues to shape FIFA’s officiating landscape through global competitions decades later.

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American Referees Officiate

American crew led by referee Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, was second all-women and first all-American crew to officiate Czech Republic–South Africa match on June 18, 2026.
Penso broke an MLS gap in 2020 and refereed 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Nesbitt became first female assistant at men’s World Cup in Qatar 2022.
U.S. Soccer VP Kari Seitz said crew’s visibility should raise the 22 % share of female referees in United States.

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