Tori Penso becomes first female American referee at a men's World Cup in Czechia vs South Africa

Tori Penso will make history at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta when she takes charge of the World Cup 2026 Group A clash between Czechia and South Africa, becoming the first female American referee to officiate at a men’s World Cup. The 39-year-old from Florida leads an all-female, all-American officiating team for a match that carries significant weight for both sides.

Both Czechia and South Africa arrive having lost their opening Group A fixtures, meaning defeat here would leave either side’s hopes of progression hanging by a thread even if they were to win their final group game. South Africa, who had two players sent off against Mexico in their opener, will need to keep a full complement on the pitch if they are to have any realistic chance of taking the points.

Penso is no stranger to high-stakes occasions. She was the referee when Spain defeated England in the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Sydney, and she was only added to the FIFA list in 2021 before rapidly ascending to the sport’s biggest stages. She also holds the distinction of being the first full-time female referee in Major League Soccer, where she has worked for the past six years.

In nine MLS matches during the 2026 season prior to the World Cup hiatus, Penso has yet to show a red card and has awarded just one penalty, averaging just over four yellow cards per game — a disciplinary record that may offer some reassurance to South Africa given their turbulent opening match.

Neither Czechia nor South Africa has previously been refereed by Penso in men’s or women’s football, making this a fresh encounter for all parties. She will be assisted by fellow Americans Kathryn Nesbitt and Brooke Mayo on the lines, with New Zealand’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh serving as fourth official. Nicaragua’s Tatiana Guzman will oversee VAR.