Garcia, Penso Headline Concacaf Female Referees at FIFA World Cup 2026

Katia Garcia and Tori Penso will represent women's refereeing at the World Cup.

MIAMI – Concacaf Referees Katia Garcia (Mexico) and Tori Penso (United States) are set to make history at FIFA World Cup 2026.

The pair are the only women selected as lead referees for the tournament, headlining a group of six female match officials from the region. They are joined by Assistant Referees Brooke Mayo (United States), Kathryn Nesbitt (United States), Sandra Ramirez (Mexico), and Video Match Official Tatiana Guzman (Nicaragua). All six officials represent Concacaf.

“It is something I thought about a long time ago and didn’t think it was possible at all, and to be here just at this stage of the game is an incredible privilege,” Penso told FIFA.

Penso will become the first American woman selected as a lead referee at a men's FIFA World Cup.

Garcia, who will be the first Mexican woman to serve in the same role, expressed similar emotions.

“I can only feel great joy at being the first Mexican female referee to officiate a men's World Cup match,” said Garcia in an interview with Gaceta UNAM. “I feel gratitude—first to my family, who helped me reach this moment, and also to the female referees who paved the way before me; because it isn't just about me—there are many others who pushed so that my teammates and I could be where we are today.”

The 2026 tournament will be the largest FIFA World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across three host countries. The appointments of Penso and Garcia represent another milestone in the growth of women's officiating and underscore the increasing opportunities available at the highest levels of the sport.

As two of the world's most respected officials, Garcia and Penso will not only take charge of matches on soccer's biggest stage but also serve as trailblazers for future generations of referees throughout Concacaf and beyond.