USMNT

·18 June 2026

Referee Tori Penso, along with assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, are set to make their FIFA World Cup 2026 debuts on Thursday, June 18, when they officiate the Group A encounter between Czechia and South Africa at Atlanta Stadium.

This will not only be the first appearance for all three women in this year’s tournament but also a historic milestone, as they form the only all-woman officiating trio at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The trio are no strangers to groundbreaking moments. In October 2025, Penso, Mayo, and Nesbitt made history by becoming the first all-female on-field officiating team in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final, overseeing the match between Austin FC and Nashville SC on October 1.

Earlier this week, an American-led crew officiated the group-stage clash between the Netherlands and Japan on June 14 in Dallas, Texas. With three more Americans set to take charge on Thursday, the eight U.S. referees appointed to this summer’s tournament continue to highlight the growing diversity and global respect for U.S. match officials.

As Mayo prepares to officiate her first FIFA World Cup match, she shared insights into her journey — from refereeing her first game at the age of 13 in Garland, Texas, to playing collegiate soccer at Tennessee Tech University, and now stepping onto the sport’s biggest stage.

What was your reaction when you found out you’d been selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

“When I realised back in 2023 that earning a place at the FIFA World Cup was possible, I focused completely on making that dream come true. I accepted as many international and MLS matches as I could to build my experience and worked with fitness coaches to push my limits. When the selection came through, I was overjoyed to represent U.S. Soccer and Concacaf, and to showcase all the effort we had put in.”

How do you prepare in the 48 hours after being assigned a match?

“Those 48 hours are intense. The first thing I do is inform my family and friends and help organise their travel. My phone starts buzzing constantly, and then the real preparation begins. Our fitness and technical coaches adjust our training so we’re physically and technically sharp. We also meet with a FIFA tactical coach to review the teams’ playing styles. Once we reach the host city, we usually have a team meal to align our approach. After that, it’s about relaxing, visualising success, and soaking in the moment during the walkout before kick-off.”

How has your family supported your journey?

“Their support has been everything. My parents have watched every match I’ve officiated that’s been streamed for over a decade. My wife has been my rock through every high and low, and she’ll be in the stands along with my sister, one of my biggest fans. Success in refereeing is never a solo journey.”

What do you wish more fans understood about referees?

“That we truly love football. I wish fans could see how much preparation goes into our work — the physical training, the mental preparation, and the post-match assessments that keep us accountable.”

What sacrifices have you made to reach this level?

“I’ve missed countless family events and special moments. Early on, I self-funded trips to tournaments and took unpaid leave from my teaching job to gain experience. My husband and I even planned our wedding in December to avoid football conflicts. Eventually, I left teaching after a decade to focus fully on my international career. Achieving dreams always involves sacrifices — not just yours, but those of your loved ones too.”

How do you unwind after such high-pressure matches?

“Switching off after a match is difficult. Referees tend to be perfectionists, and I often replay moments in my head. The only thing that helps me truly relax is spending time with friends, family, or colleagues — they keep me grounded.”

What does being part of an all-female officiating crew mean to you?

“Most of the time, we just see ourselves as a team of professionals. But when someone tells us their daughter is inspired by seeing us, or a veteran FIFA volunteer shares her pride, we realise we’re part of something bigger. It’s proof that there are no limits to what women can achieve if they work hard and seize opportunities.”

Who were your role models growing up?

“Susan Williamson from Tennessee was the first female assessor I met, and her support meant the world. Watching trailblazers like Kari Seitz, Bibiana Steinhaus, Edina Batista, Natalie Aspinall, and Sian Massey-Ellis on TV was incredibly motivating. I also looked up to Mark Geiger’s referee team from the 2014 FIFA World Cup. And, of course, my female colleagues continue to inspire me daily.”

How have you seen opportunities for women referees evolve, and do you expect more all-female trios in future World Cups?

“I’ve seen many firsts for women, and it’s not because we’re the first capable ones — it’s because we finally got the chance. We’ve had to work harder and perform nearly perfectly to maintain those opportunities. But I believe the door is now open permanently. In the future, I’m confident that the best referees, regardless of gender, will be chosen for World Cups.”

What will that moment be like when you walk out to officiate Czechia vs South Africa?

“I’m an emotional person, and I love football deeply. I always have to fight back tears during the walkout. It’s such a privilege to live my dream with my loved ones cheering me on — something I’ll never take for granted.”

What’s your favourite part of the job?

“Working the matches themselves and experiencing different cultures. Football truly brings the world together.”

What does it mean to officiate a FIFA World Cup in your home country?

“It’s beyond what I ever imagined possible. My football friends have always been supportive, but now even my non-football friends understand how monumental the World Cup is to the world.”

What message do you hope young girls take from seeing you on the pitch?

“I hope they know they’re strong and capable. Negativity — whether sexism, homophobia, or racism — says more about others’ insecurities than yours. This message isn’t just for girls; it’s for anyone who’s ever felt unseen. We see you, we support you, and if you’re willing to work hard, you belong here.”

What legacy do you hope you and your team leave behind?

“I hope our journey inspires future referees to dream big, work hard, and most importantly, support one another.”