Tori Penso Makes History at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Tori Penso was appointed as the lead official for one of the most high-profile matches in the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, setting a historic milestone for women in football.

Penso stands out as the only woman among the 117 referees and assistant referees selected by FIFA for this edition of the tournament, which is being held in her home country, the United States. She officiated the match in Washington, D.C., supported by assistants Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, forming an all-female referee team for this historic fixture.

Penso is no stranger to major stages. She officiated the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final between Spain and England, and back in 2020, she became the first woman in 20 years to referee a Major League Soccer (MLS) match.

“This is an elite group. Having my name next to my colleagues’ is an incredible honor,” Penso stated after being appointed.

The match ended in a 2–0 victory for Juventus, on a night that will be remembered as a step forward for equality and excellence in world football officiating.