World Cup 2026: American Female Referee To Officiate South Africa vs Czech Republic

Bafana Bafana of South Africa Group A encounter against Czechia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see Tori Penso from the United States become the first woman to officiate a men’s World Cup match, Soccer Laduma reports.

Following their opening day 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico; the South African national team will take to the pitch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on 18 June at 18h00 South African time, with the American referee overseeing proceedings.

Penso will be supported by an all-American officiating duo, with Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt serving as assistant referees. Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh from New Zealand has been appointed as the fourth official for the fixture.

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The appointment marks a significant milestone for women’s officiating in men’s football, with Bafana Bafana’s opening World Cup fixture providing the platform for this historic moment.

South Africa will be looking to make their mark in Group A where their campaign has gotten off to a stuttering start following their 2-0 loss to hosts Mexico in the opening game.

Coach Hugo Broos is expected to make a number of changes to his starting XI given that Siphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received red cards against Mexico.