By OkayGoal 
The female referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup showed that history can be made from the center circle just as easily as it can from the penalty spot. While the tournament has delivered unforgettable goals and dramatic moments, it has also highlighted the growing influence of women in officiating. Six female officials were selected for the men’s tournament, continuing FIFA’s efforts to expand opportunities for women at the highest level of the game. Their performances have become another milestone for girls soccer, women’s soccer, and the future of officiating.
A Landmark Moment in Atlanta
One of the tournament’s most memorable moments came on June 18 when American referee Tori Penso took charge of the Group A match between Czechia and South Africa. Joining her were assistant referees Kathryn Nesbitt and Brooke Mayo, making them the first all-American, all-female officiating crew to work a men’s FIFA World Cup match.
The trio was already familiar with making history. In 2023, they officiated the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final between England and Spain. They also worked the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, becoming the first all-female crew to officiate that championship match. Their latest achievement shows the confidence FIFA has in their ability to manage matches on soccer’s biggest stage.
Six Women Earning Their Place
The 2026 tournament features six female officials from North America who earned their appointments through years of consistent performances in domestic leagues and international competitions.
Penso became the first American woman to serve as the lead referee in a men’s FIFA World Cup match. Her experience in Major League Soccer, the National Women’s Soccer League, and international tournaments helped pave the way for her historic assignment.
Mexico’s Katia Itzel García joined Penso as one of the tournament’s female center referees. García joins Penso in serving as lead referee in men’s FIFA World Cup Match. García has established herself as one of CONCACAF’s top officials through years of experience in Liga MX and regional competitions.
Assistant referees Kathryn Nesbitt, Brooke Mayo, Sandra Ramírez, and Karen Díaz Medina complete the group. Several of them also made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where women officiated men’s World Cup matches for the first time.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The importance of these appointments extends far beyond one tournament. Every match these officials work sends a message to young athletes that there are many ways to succeed in soccer.
Not every child dreams of scoring the winning goal. Some discover a passion for officiating. Seeing women confidently manage matches featuring the world’s best soccer players gives aspiring referees role models to follow and demonstrates that talent and preparation create opportunities.
The continued success of female officials also reflects the growth of women’s soccer around the world. As leagues become more competitive and the visibility of women’s sports continues to increase, opportunities are expanding both on and off the field.
More Than a Historic Assignment
The female referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup were selected because they earned the opportunity through years of dedication, strong performances, and professionalism. Their presence reflects the evolution of the game and the increasing trust placed in women to officiate the sport’s biggest matches.
Their success is also encouraging for fans of the USWNT and young players across the country. It proves there are many different pathways to building a career in soccer, whether as a player, coach, executive, or referee.
As the sport continues to grow, these officials have left a lasting mark on World Cup history. Their performances will inspire future generations of girls to see that there is no limit to where soccer can take them.
Featured image via @tori.penso