Tori Penso Says Being the First American Woman To Referee a Men’s World Cup Match Was a ‘Pinch Me’ Moment

**Tori Penso: Shattering Stereotypes in Sports as a Trailblazing Referee**

Tori Penso has made history by becoming the first American woman to officiate a Men’s FIFA World Cup match, a significant milestone that she celebrates not just for herself, but for all girls pursuing sports. Partnering with Dove, Penso advocates a powerful message: “Girls belong in sport.” Her journey reflects the challenges many female athletes face and underscores the importance of representation in all levels of sport.

Penso’s selection as a referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was a dream come true for the 40-year-old official. The moment she saw her name listed among the top referees, many of whom she had admired throughout her career, was surreal. “It was just a ‘Pinch me, is this real?’ moment,” she shared, expressing her joy alongside her husband, Chris Penso, who is also a professional soccer referee.

Although Penso has officiated numerous important events, including the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the forthcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the recent World Cup represented a personal triumph and symbolic victory for women in sport. She managed high-profile matches such as South Africa versus Czech Republic and Germany against Ecuador, leading a groundbreaking all-women, all-American officiating crew during the former match.

Representation is a key theme in Penso’s work, which is why her partnership with Dove is significant. Through the “The Game Is Ours” campaign, she aims to inspire girls by instilling body confidence and encouraging them to remain involved in sports. Citing statistics that show one in two girls drop out of sports due to body confidence issues, Penso emphasises the importance of visibility at the highest level. “If they can see women in the game competing successfully, I hope that inspires them to know they belong in the game,” she remarked.

Family support has been a crucial element in Penso’s journey. She credits her three daughters for motivating her through the inevitable challenges she faced. The struggles that come with her groundbreaking career are outweighed by the significance of paving the way for future generations. “When those moments get tough, I just look at those three girls,” she stated, reflecting on her role as a mother and role model.

Penso’s message is clear: girls must not only enter the sporting world but also remain active participants. She believes that encouraging girls to “take up space” and be confident in their abilities is vital. This philosophy extends to teaching her daughters to embrace their individuality and strengths, ensuring they understand that what may seem like a disadvantage can actually define them in a positive way.

Commencing her refereeing career at the tender age of 14, Penso initially took up the role to earn some extra money but quickly developed a passion for the sport. After being invited to an Olympic Development Program refereeing camp at 18, she climbed the officiating ladder with determination. As a Dove ambassador, she recently produced a docuseries chronicling her experiences, aiming to highlight the barriers women face in her field and to inspire other girls to pursue their goals.

Ultimately, the challenges encountered on her journey are a small price to pay for the impact she hopes to have on young girls. Penso firmly believes in the transformative power of sport to build confidence and leadership skills. “I’m proof that dreams pursued with purpose become reality,” she said, underscoring the importance of grit, determination, and opportunities in achieving one’s goals.

With her groundbreaking achievements, Tori Penso serves as a shining example for aspiring female athletes. Her commitment to promoting the importance of body confidence and representation in sports is crucial in encouraging the next generation of women to not only enter the field but to thrive in it. By sharing her story and supporting initiatives like Dove’s campaign, she is helping to create a more inclusive sporting environment where girls can envision themselves at the highest levels.