Being a trailblazing World Cup referee with Tori Penso

Being a trailblazing World Cup referee with Tori Penso

Author: The Athletic July 22, 2026 Duration: 52:18

This summer, Tori Penso became the first American woman to be a head referee at a men’s World Cup match. That piece of soccer history followed on from her taking the women’s World Cup final in Sydney, Australia, three years ago. Along with her assistants, Brooke Mayo and Kathrin Nesbitt, Penso has been blazing a trail for women referees in the men’s and women’s games. So, what is it like to referee at a World Cup?


On this episode of Full Time, hosts Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin are joined by Penso to take the listener inside the World Cup from a referee’s perspective. The interview also unpacks Penso’s journey to being one of the world’s elite officials, how technology is impacting her profession, and what she wants fans and players alike to know about what it’s like to be under so much scrutiny on the pitch.

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin

GUEST: Tori Penso

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Full Time: A show about women's soccer
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