- Stuart, Florida native Tori Penso will officiate a men's World Cup match between Czechia and South Africa.
- Penso is the second woman in history to officiate a men's World Cup match.
- She previously became the first woman to referee an MLS match in over 20 years in 2020.
- In 2023, Penso officiated the Women's World Cup Final between Spain and England.
The Treasure Coast will be represented during the second week of the FIFA World Cup.
Stuart native Tori Penso was assigned to officiate Thursday’s Group A stage match between Czechia and South Africa. She makes history along the way, becoming just the second woman to officiate a men’s World Cup match.
Stéphanie Frappart was her predecessor, as the Frenchwoman was in charge of a Germany-Costa Rica match during the previous World Cup in Qatar.
Additionally, Penso's crew at the Czechia-South Africa match will include Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, marking the only all-woman trio at this year's World Cup.
Making history on her home soil highlights a meteoric rise for the 39-year-old Penso.
Becoming the first woman to referee an MLS match in more than two decades back in 2020, the Martin County High School graduate became part of the FIFA international referee panel the following year.
Two years later, Penso was on the global stage as she officiated Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final in Australia.
Penso served as a referee in multiple matches during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.
Patrick Bernadeau is a sports reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at 772-985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.
Source: TCPalm
