Meet the six female referees making history at the 2026 World Cup: Roles, names, and profiles
This year’s roster of officials includes six women, including two - Katia García and Tori Penso - who are on the list of match referees.
Match referees:
Katia García, Mexico
Age: 33
FIFA official since: 2019
Games officiated at 2026 World Cup:
- June 14: Netherlands 2-2 Japan, Group F (fourth official)
- June 17: England 4-2 Croatia, Group L (fourth official)
- June 19: USMNT 2-0 Australia, Group D (fourth official)
Tori Penso, United States
Age: 39
FIFA official since: 2021
Games officiated at 2026 World Cup:
- June 18: Czechia 1-1 South Africa, Group A
Assistant referees:
Brooke Mayo, United States
Age: 37
FIFA official since: 2018
Games officiated at 2026 World Cup:
- June 18: Czechia 1-1 South Africa, Group A
Kathryn Nesbitt, United States
Age: 37
FIFA official since: 2016
Games officiated at 2026 World Cup:
- June 18: Czechia 1-1 South Africa, Group A
Sandra Ramírez, Mexico
Age: 37
FIFA official since: 2019
Games officiated at 2026 World Cup:
- June 14: Netherlands 2-2 Japan, Group F (reserve assistant)
- June 17: England 4-2 Croatia, Group L (reserve assistant)
- June 19: USMNT 2-0 Australia, Group D (reserve assistant)
Video assistant referees:
Tatiana Guzmán, Nicaragua
Age: 38
FIFA official since: 2014
Games officiated at 2026 World Cup:
- June 12: Canada 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina, Group B (support VAR)
- June 13: Australia 2-0 Türkiye, Group D
- June 16: France 3-1 Senegal, Group I (support VAR)
Related stories
Meet Tori Penso, the US ref making history
The men and women with the whistle at World Cup 2026
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.
Complete your personal details to comment