Witnessing the group stage match of Ecuador vs Germany held on June 25, 2026, netizens were left questioning about the female referee, Tori Penso, who officiated the match
If you are also speculating about who officiated the decisive group stage match, let’s dig deeper together!
Who is Tori Penso, US female football referee in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The female referee who officiated the recent high-profile group stage match is Tori Penso from the U.S.
She created headlines for becoming the second woman in football history to referee a men’s FIFA World Cup Match.
Why Is Tori Penso Trending?
The female referee isn’t just trending for becoming the second woman to officiate men’s FIFA World Cup, but also as after the players of Ecuador swarmed her around after she gave a controversial decision.
For unversed, following a highly controversial decision, where the female referee allowed Germany’s opening goal to stand despite an apparent high-boot foul to an Ecuadorian player’s face, the player of the team swarmed her around.
Despite the heavy tension, Ecuador emerged victorious 2-1 against Germany and advanced in the tournament.
Tori Penso says it’s a “privilege to have 75,000 fans screaming at her.” 🗣️
As for us? We think it’s a privilege to watch her make history at the Men's FIFA World Cup 2026™ ⚽️
Welcome to #WatchHerWork — a weekly series from @togethxr x @thesportsish spotlighting the women… pic.twitter.com/hbGcjhCS58
— TOGETHXR (@togethxr) June 26, 2026
Who is Tori Penso?
Tori Penso, whose full name is Mary Victoria Tori Penso is a pioneering American professional soccer referee.
She is widely regarded as one of the most prominent match officials in global football. Born in Stuart, Florida, on July 8, 1986, Tori Penso is 39-years-old.
As of now, her exact physical measurements are not available as they aren’t logged either by FIFA or PRO (Professional Referee Organisation), however, she maintains her peak athletics physical standards to clear FIFA’s rigorous mandatory fitness and speed trials.
Marital Status
Tori Penso is married to Chris Penso, who is wisely recognised MLS (Major League Soccer) and International Referee. The couple shares 3 children together.
Educational Background
Tori Penso has a rich educational background, as she graduated in digital marketing from Florida State University in 2008.
She furthermore went to pursue a higher degree from Case Western Reserve University, from where she completed her MBA in 2015.
Following her MBA, Tori Penso worked for major corporate marketing brands such as Coca-Cola & Red Bull.
Refereeing Career
La árbitra estadounidense Tori Penso fue cuestionada por su actuación en el duelo del Mundial 2026 entre Ecuador y Alemania. La jugada clave fue una falta no sancionada sobre Pedro Vite previa al primer gol alemán de Leroy Sané, que afectó a Ecuador en un momento crucial. La FIFA… pic.twitter.com/W9JjtjM2Q7
— Notimercio Ec (@notimercio) June 27, 2026
Reportedly, Tori Penso begin refereeing at the tender age of 14, and in 2013, she joined the US Soccer Federation, moving through the National Women’s Soccer League.
Back in 2020, she made waves online after creating history for becoming the 1st woman to referee a regular-season MLS match in just 20 years.
Salary & Net Worth
Her estimated salary range is $50,000 to $100,000 annually for domestic leagues.