The story of female referees at the men's World Cup

Main referee Tori Penso, along with 2 assistants Kathryn Nesbitt and Brooke Mayo, became the second all-female referee team in history to officiate a match at the men's World Cup.

Previously, at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Stephanie Frappart (France), Neuza Back (Brazil) and Karen Diaz Medina (Mexico) took the lead. FIFA always strives to increase the presence of women at the highest levels of the king sport.

With Penso, Nesbitt and Mayo - the first all-American women's referee team, in 2023, they officiated the women's World Cup final between Spain and England. By 2025, they became the first all-female referee team to officiate the US National Cup (Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup) final.

Marketing expert

For Penso, her journey to her refereeing career began when she was a 14-year-old girl in Florida, initially considering it just a part-time job to earn extra income. Part-time work in those days gradually became a much greater destiny.

Later, Penso built a successful career in digital marketing and was also a university lecturer, along with steady promotions in the professional football refereeing system. Her breakthrough took place in 2020, when she became the first woman in nearly 2 decades to officiate a match in the US Major League Soccer (MLS).

Penso - who received FIFA referee certification in 2021, shared that in every match, she always carries a family photo in her bag. "I know I am writing a story that one day my daughters will read and I hope it will inspire women around the world" - she said.

Scientist

Assistant referee Nesbitt owns a unique story in international football. Before spending all her time refereeing, Nesbitt had a brilliant academic career in science. She holds a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and used to do research and teaching with a focus on neuroscience and brain research.

However, her passion for the round ball is even stronger than the appeal of the lab. Since being recognized by FIFA in 2016, Nesbitt has served at many Women's World Cups and Olympics. 4 years ago in Qatar, she became the first woman to be assistant referee in a men's World Cup knockout match (England vs. Senegal in the round of 16).

And the one who breaks the barriers

The final piece that completes the historical trio is Mayo, a native of Texas. Her football journey spans from the role of player, coach to referee. She played football in college before becoming a physical education teacher and high school coach, before switching completely to a professional refereeing career.

Mayo publicly announced her homosexuality in 2024 and had to overcome many barriers. "Growing up in the South was not easy and I always struggled with the fragile balance between authenticity and safety," she said.

“Many people ask me why I moved to another state and I like to say: “because of the mountains” but the sad truth is, I moved because of real concerns about my family's safety. However, there is one place where I feel most supported when I am myself, which is the football field. Football is truly a great sport with the ability to connect the world. There is a unique connection between referees overcoming all differences”.

Mayo joined FIFA's international refereeing council in 2018. Her contributions were deservedly recognized in 2025, with the US Soccer Federation's Best Female Referee of the Year award.