Referee Tore Benso runs surrounded by assistant referees Katherine Nesbitt, left, and Brooke Mayo during the warm-up period before the World Cup Group A soccer match between the Czechs and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo)
When Tore Benso blew the whistle for the match between the Czech Republic and South Africa in Atlanta, it was not just the beginning of another group stage match. History was created when women took center stage in football’s biggest event.
Along with assistant referees Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt, Benso became the second woman to referee a men’s World Cup tournament, after following in the footsteps of French referee Stephanie Frappart at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.In more than 90 years of FIFA World Cup finals, there have been no female referees at the highest level of the game. Now, there are six in one edition, all ready to prove they’re as good as anyone else in the field.
This is women empowerment in the true sense.Penso came up with a flawless performance. Her prediction was good. She was in the right position, at the right time, and several short sprints showed that her fitness was first class. It looks easy on TV, but the stop and start procedure takes a lot of effort. It’s taxing. But when a counterattack is launched, it is easy to run a certain distance at the same pace.
This is a big step for women referees. The professionalization of women’s refereeing has played a big factor in the new ability of women’s referees to officiate at the highest levels.
Credit to FIFA for making the right decision, after extensive training, workshops and mentorship over the years. Big credit to them for trusting women to deliver.They made the right choice.Benso was among the best officials in the world. But since I worked as a referee evaluator and referee coach in the AFC, I’m sure she had to work hard for it. You will be surprised to know that the focus on being in the World Cup, the most important event for any athlete, is so great that you cannot even afford a small outing.
Your physical fitness is monitored every day.It is not only physical preparation that is needed at this hour. You must have a comprehensive understanding of the game. With the world watching, there is no room for mistakes.You have to have the right mindset too. Physical fitness can be achieved through rigorous training, you can read the rules of the game, but you cannot practice the mentality. It is within you; Everything is in your hands, or rather in your mind.
At the highest level, this is the most important.I am happy that it was a flawless performance from the female officials team. They set the bar high and prove that women can handle their jobs at the highest level. Of course, it’s not easy for a woman in the men’s game, but if ever there was an example of how well a woman can do the job, it was right in front of us. Benso is an inspiration to referees around the world.This won’t be the only time there will be female referees at the men’s World Cup finals. Benso and others have confirmed that there is more to come.(Maria Rebelo, former India captain and FIFA referee, spoke to Marcos Mergulhao)