Tori Penso Makes History as First American Referee in Women’s World Cup Final
Tori Penso has been appointed as the referee for the highly anticipated Women’s World Cup final between Spain and England, making her the first American to take charge of a World Cup final. This historic moment is a significant milestone for women in sports officiating.
Penso will be joined by her compatriots Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, completing an all-American team of on-field officials. Yoshimi Yamashita of Japan will serve as the fourth official, while Tatiana Guzman of Nicaragua will be on VAR duty.
This is not the first time that Penso, Mayo, and Nesbitt have made history together. In 2021, they became part of the first group of women to referee men’s World Cup qualifying matches. Their inclusion in such prestigious tournaments highlights the progress being made in promoting gender equality in sports officiating.
Penso’s journey to becoming a World Cup referee has been remarkable. She left her job in advertising after the 2019 World Cup to pursue a full-time refereeing career. In 2020, she became the first full-time female referee in Major League Soccer (MLS), further breaking barriers and paving the way for future female referees.
Her dedication and talent were recognized when she earned her first FIFA badge in 2021. She was appointed as the lead referee for a SheBelieves Cup game between Canada and Argentina, solidifying her position as a top referee in women’s soccer.
The Women’s World Cup final will mark Penso’s fifth assignment of this summer’s tournament in Australia and New Zealand. Her experience and expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the smooth running of the final match.
Assistant referee Kathryn Nesbitt also has an impressive list of achievements. She was the first female assistant referee to officiate a men’s CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying match, breaking barriers and challenging gender norms in sports officiating. Nesbitt also holds the distinction of being the first woman to referee a championship match in professional men’s sports in North America and the first woman to officiate a CONCACAF League Final.
The World Cup final between Spain and England is scheduled to take place on August 20 at 5 am ET (11 am BST). Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating this historic match, which will showcase the talent and skill of women’s soccer on the global stage.
The inclusion of an all-American team of officials in such a prestigious event is a testament to the progress being made in promoting diversity and gender equality in sports. It sends a powerful message that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields and deserve equal opportunities to showcase their abilities.
As the world watches the Women’s World Cup final, it is important to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these trailblazing women referees. Their dedication, skill, and passion for the game have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for future generations of female referees.
In conclusion, Tori Penso’s appointment as the referee for the Women’s World Cup final is a historic moment for women in sports officiating. Alongside her compatriots Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, Penso will lead an all-American team of officials, showcasing the talent and expertise of women referees on the global stage. This milestone achievement highlights the progress being made in promoting gender equality in sports and serves as an inspiration for aspiring female referees around the world.