WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
Who is Tori Penso, the referee for Australia vs England at the 2023 Women’s World Cup?
Ahead of the huge clash between these two great rival nations we check out the woman in the middle and her supporting officials.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand has been one to remember for a variety of reasons. The stunning goals, the big upsets, and the young stars making a name for themselves, all combining to thrill the many millions embracing the competition. But with ultimate glory very much now in sight, two teams will battle it out on Wednesday dreaming of a showpiece final as the world watches on.
Hosts Australia have wowed the nation making it to the semi-final and face England in the penultimate clash. Spain overcame a tough Swedish team on Tuesday to book their place. So who is the woman in charge of the Matildas against the Lionesses? Let’s take a look...
Who is Tori Penso, Australia vs England referee?
Born in Florida, Tori Penso has a decade of officiating under her belt ahead of her biggest game to date. In 2013 she began with college soccer and moved into the National Women’s Soccer League. Then came an opportunity to get involved in the higher profile Major League Soccer, the top men’s competition in the United States, initially as an assistant to the referee before being handed her first role with the whistle in 2020. By doing so she became the first woman to officiate in the MLS for 20 years.
In 2021, Penso secured a position on the FIFA Panel, and during the previous summer, she marked her inaugural appearance on the global championship stage at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. She officiated at significant international events for the first time last year, which included her role as the referee for both the Concacaf W Championship and the Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship.
So far in the 2023 World Cup Penso has been in the middle three times, two in the group stages and then the round of 16 game as France squeezed past Morocco.
Who are the assistant referees and VAR for Australia vs England?
Assisting Penso in this semi-final will be compatriot Brooke Mayo and Mijensa Rensh from Suriname. The fourth official is Japan’s Yoshimi Yamashita while Kathryn Nesbitt from the US will be the Video Assistant Referee.
Follow all the action live for Australia vs England
As you’ve come to expect, here on AS USA we will be bringing you all the action live from Stadium Australia in Sydney with our very own Roddy Cons providing his inimitable coverage. He’ll get the build up underway around an hour before kick off so be sure to join him if you want the full experience.