Tori Penso: Breaking Barriers in Global Football Officiating
In the high-stakes world of professional football, few figures have made as significant an impact on the game's governance as Mary Victoria "Tori" Penso. From her early days refereeing alongside her brothers in Florida to officiating the world's most prestigious tournaments, Penso has consistently shattered glass ceilings for women in sports officiating.
Currently a member of the Professional Referee Organization (PRO), Penso has transitioned from domestic success in the United States to becoming a fixture on the international stage, marking several historic firsts for American referees.
Key Facts
- First American woman to serve as a referee at the FIFA World Cup (Men's).
- First U.S. referee to officiate a FIFA Women's World Cup final.
- First full-time female referee in the history of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
- Fourth woman to referee a Major League Soccer (MLS) match.
- Academic background includes a degree in digital marketing and an MBA.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Born on July 8, 1986, in Stuart, Florida, Penso's journey began at age 14. Her early passion for the game led her to an Olympic Development Program refereeing camp in Alabama by the time she was 18. After joining the United States Soccer Federation in 2013, she quickly rose through the ranks, officiating women's collegiate tournaments and the NWSL.
Her ascent into the men's professional game accelerated after the 2019 Generation Adidas Cup, which earned her a spot in the PRO2 development program. On September 25, 2020, Penso made history as the first woman to referee an MLS match since 2000. Her domestic milestones continued with her officiating the 2021 NWSL Championship and the 2025 US Open Cup Final between Austin FC and Nashville SC.
International Milestones
2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Penso's international profile peaked during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. After officiating group stage games, a round of 16 match, and a semi-final, she was appointed to the final. This appointment made her the first referee from the U.S. and the first from the Americas to lead a Women's World Cup final.
FIFA Club World Cup and Olympics
Beyond the World Cup, Penso has been a trusted official for the FIFA Club World Cup, officiating the opening match and third-place match in 2023, as well as group stage matches in 2025. In 2024, she represented the U.S. at the Summer Olympics in Paris, where she officiated the Group A opening match between France and Colombia.
2026 FIFA World Cup
Penso reached a historic landmark when she was selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. She became only the second woman in history to officiate a men's World Cup match. Alongside fellow Americans Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, she led the first all-female and all-American crew in the tournament's history during the June 18, 2026, match between South Africa and the Czech Republic.
| Date | Match | Venue | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2026 | South Africa vs Czech Republic | Atlanta Stadium | Group Stage |
| June 25, 2026 | Germany vs Ecuador | New York New Jersey Stadium | Group Stage |
Personal Life and Education
Off the pitch, Penso is a highly educated professional. She graduated from Florida State University in 2008 with a degree in digital marketing and later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Case Western Reserve University in 2015. Her professional experience includes marketing roles at Coca-Cola and Red Bull, and she currently teaches a course on social media and sports at the University of South Florida.
Penso is married to Chris Penso, who is also a veteran MLS referee, and they are the parents of three daughters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Tori Penso's role in the 2026 FIFA World Cup historic?
Tori Penso is only the second woman in history to officiate a men's World Cup match. Additionally, she led the first all-female and all-American officiating crew in the history of the men's tournament.
Which major final did Tori Penso officiate in 2023?
She served as the referee for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final, becoming the first U.S. referee and the first referee from the Americas to do so.
What is Tori Penso's professional background outside of refereeing?
Penso holds an MBA and has worked in digital marketing for global brands like Coca-Cola and Red Bull. She also teaches a university course on social media and sports.
When did Tori Penso first break the 20-year gap for women in MLS?
On September 25, 2020, Penso became the fourth woman to referee an MLS match and the first to do so since Sandy Hunt in May 2000.