U.S. referee Tori Penso took charge of Thursday’s Group A clash between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, becoming the second woman to officiate a men’s World Cup match. She follows France’s Stéphanie Frappart, who led the Germany‑Costa Rica game at Qatar 2022. Penso’s sideline crew includes Americans Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt. The match ended 2‑1 for Czechia.

Penso’s résumé includes the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, where Spain edged England 1‑0. She began refereeing at 14 for extra cash, progressed after an Olympic Development camp at 18, and left an advertising career to go full‑time. In September 2020 she broke a two‑decade drought, becoming the first woman to referee an MLS match. Her performance earned praise from players and officials alike.

Since joining FIFA’s international panel in 2021, Penso has led an all‑female crew in a Concacaf men’s World Cup qualifier and handled five U‑20 Women’s World Cup games, including a semi‑final. Her appointment underscores the growing trust in female officials at the sport’s highest level and adds another milestone to a career that continues to reshape refereeing norms.