Brooke Mayo officiates as first out LGBTQ+ referee at Men's World Cup

Brooke Mayo serves as an assistant referee during the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between the Czech Republic and South Africa. This appointment marks Mayo as the first openly gay match official in men's World Cup history. Tori Penso, also a historic figure as the first U.S. woman to referee a men’s World Cup match, leads the officiating team. Mayo publicly came out in 2024 and has expressed pride in her achievements and commitment to inclusivity in soccer. Her participation adds to a notable career, highlighted by being named U.S. Soccer Female Referee of the Year.

• 2:49 PMYahoo Sports — Brooke Mayo Is Making Men’s World Cup History as First Out Gay Match Official