At a FIFA World Cup dominated by star players, dramatic goals and title contenders, three women have quietly carved their names into football history.
Referee Tori Penso and assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt became the only all-female on-field officiating team at the FIFA World Cup 2026, in the game between Czechia vs South Africa, marking another significant milestone for women in football. Their appointment was about more than just one match. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, perseverance and a relentless pursuit of excellence on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
For Mayo, the journey began as a teenager officiating youth matches in Garland, Texas. More than a decade later, she found herself preparing for a FIFA World Cup assignment, a dsiream that became a ngular focus once she realised it was within reach.
“When I realized, in 2023, we had an opportunity to realistically earn a spot at this FIFA World Cup, all of my focus became on making that dream a reality,” Mayo told US Soccer.
The road to the World Cup demanded countless hours of preparation. Mayo sought opportunities to officiate as many international and Major League Soccer matches as possible, while also pushing herself physically with the help of fitness coaches.
The work paid off when she, Penso and Nesbitt were selected for football’s biggest tournament. Yet, according to Mayo, earning a World Cup appointment is only part of the challenge.
“The first thing I do is try to let all my friends and family know and help coordinate their travel,” she said while describing the hectic 48 hours before a match. Tactical meetings, fitness sessions and detailed preparations quickly follow before the officials step onto the pitch.
Behind the achievement lies a support system that helped make it possible. Mayo credits her parents, wife and sister for standing by her throughout a career that often required personal sacrifices.
“My mom and dad have watched every single game I have officiated that has had a live stream option for over a decade,” she said.
Those sacrifices extended beyond missing family gatherings and special occasions. Mayo invested her own money in travel during her early years and eventually left a teaching and coaching career to focus on officiating at the international level.
“When you are chasing a dream, you are not the only one who sacrifices. It’s all of your loved ones too.”
The visibility of Penso, Mayo and Nesbitt at the FIFA World Cup carries significance far beyond the touchline. While Mayo insists the trio simply sees itself as a team that earned its place through performance, she understands what their presence means to aspiring referees around the world.
“Even though I view us as just a normal trio that has earned their place at this FIFA World Cup, I know we represent something bigger than ourselves,” she said.
Mayo recalled moments when young girls, volunteers and football fans approached the officials to express how inspiring it was to see women operating at the highest level of the sport.
Throughout her career, she has witnessed several historic breakthroughs for female referees and believes opportunities for women have expanded dramatically.
“We know we have had to work a little bit harder to earn the same opportunities as our male counterparts,” she said. “But I feel confident that all of the women that have been performing at high levels have helped kick the door open permanently.”
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues, the trio’s legacy is already secure. Their story is not just about officiating a football match. It is about representation, resilience and proving that there are no limits to what can be achieved on the game’s grandest stage.
For the next generation watching from the stands or from home, the message is clear. You belong.
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