Tori Penso at the Center of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

FIFA has announced the list of referees who will officiate the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will take place from June 14 to July 13 in 11 host cities across the United States. This will be the most inclusive edition of the tournament, featuring referees from 41 FIFA member associations.

Among this elite group, one name stands out—a woman who has consistently broken barriers and raised the bar: Maria Victoria “Tori” Penso, the only female center referee appointed for the tournament.

Tori Penso isn’t just breaking ceilings; she’s setting new standards for officiating on the world stage. As Women’s History Month comes to a close, her career serves as a shining example of excellence, resilience, and determination:

✅ In 2020, she became the first woman in 20 years to referee an MLS match, proving that top-tier officiating knows no gender.
✅ In 2023, she made history as the first American referee—male or female—to officiate a FIFA World Cup Final.
✅ In 2024, she returned to the global spotlight at the Paris Olympics.

“We had a seminar in Buenos Aires where we worked as a group. All the candidates were able to attend, and we trained on the technical aspects of the game, physical preparation, and the psychology required for something of this magnitude,” she shared.

“We’ve done an excellent job ensuring consistency in decision-making and strong performances throughout the tournament.”

For Penso, this call-up is not just an achievement—it’s a moment of pride:

“To be selected for the FIFA Club World Cup, among an elite group, is an incredible honor. Having my name alongside my colleagues’ is something I deeply value.”

Tori Penso’s journey proves that dedication, excellence, and passion open doors, and she continues to inspire generations of referees to come.