All-female officiating crew works men's World Cup match in South Africa
The Washington Post • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 10:07 AM
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo, and Kathryn Nesbitt officiate the match between South Africa and Czechia on June 18, making history as only the second all-female crew for a men's World Cup game and the first from the United States. This follows the inclusion of female referees in previous World Cups, though the number remains limited. Kari Seitz, a key figure in promoting female referees, emphasizes the significance of representation in encouraging women in officiating roles. The match is part of an ongoing initiative to increase female participation in refereeing within soccer.
- •Penso, Mayo, and Nesbitt are officiating in the World Cup match on June 18.
- •They are the second all-female crew for a men's World Cup match.
- •Kari Seitz advocates for increased female representation in officiating.
- •Seitz highlights challenges including sexism and low referee numbers.
- •The match supports ongoing initiatives to grow female refereeing.
- 11:58 PMThe Washington Post — These American women are making history as referees at the men’s World Cup - The Washington Post
- 10:07 AMYahoo Sports — Trio of female American referees working World Cup match could change game
"Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt became the first all-American, all-women officiating crew at the men’s World Cup.
"Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt are only the second all-female officiating crew for a men's World Cup game.
Sources
External links- The Washington PostJun 18, 2026, 11:58 PMThese American women are making history as referees at the men’s World Cup - The Washington Post
Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt became the first all-American, all-women officiating crew at the men’s World Cup.
- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 10:07 AMTrio of female American referees working World Cup match could change game
Tori Penso, Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt are only the second all-female officiating crew for a men's World Cup game.
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