Tori Penso officiates men's World Cup match in Atlanta
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 3:28 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Tori Penso, a U.S. referee, officiated in a Group A match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday. This event marks a significant milestone as Penso becomes the second woman to referee a men's World Cup match. The match highlights the increasing visibility of female referees in traditionally male-dominated sports. Penso's assignment is part of the ongoing push for gender equality in sports officiating.
- •Tori Penso referees the Group A match in Atlanta.
- •She is the second woman to referee a men's World Cup match.
- •The match is between Czechia and South Africa.
- •The event is part of ongoing efforts for gender equality in sports.
- 4:15 PMESPN Soccer — U.S.' Penso 2nd woman to ref men's WC game
"U.S. referee Tori Penso was assigned to officiate The Group A match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta on Thursday, making her the second woman to take charge of a men's World Cup match.
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