This story originally appeared on Them.
On Thursday, while the Czech Republic and South Africa face each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a bit of queer history will be made.
Brooke Mayo will become the first out LGBTQ+ official to referee a match at the men’s FIFA World Cup, according to Outsports. She'll serve as an assistant referee alongside Tori Penso, the first U.S. woman to officiate a men's World Cup match.
US referee Tori Penso (R) and US assistant referee Brooke Mayo (L) inspect the field prior to the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup GroupSanka Vidanagama / AFP via Getty Images
Mayo came out publicly in 2024 in a blog post for the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Organization (NISOA). “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I would like to share a message with you as we wrap up Pride month,” she wrote. “Growing up in the South was not easy and I have always struggled with the delicate balance of authenticity versus safety.”
She continued, “Many people ask me why I moved states and I love to say, ‘for the mountains’ but the sad truth is, I moved due to genuine concerns of my family’s safety. Yet, there is one place where I feel the most supported being my authentic self, the soccer field. Soccer is truly a beautiful game that has the capability of uniting the world. There is such a unique bond among officials that transcends differences.”
Originally from Garland, Texas, Mayo has been playing soccer since she was four years old, per a profile in the Left Hand Valley Courier. She played recreational soccer until she was 12, then transitioned to competitive travel soccer. She became a referee at just 13 years old. "I would finish playing, put on a ref jersey, and referee,” she told the Courier. She played soccer at Tennessee Tech University, but continued to officiate there as well.
“I also would sneak in refereeing on the side,” she said, “because I really enjoy it.”
Penso and Mayo, alongside Kathryn Nesbitt, who will also referee Thursday’s game, also presided over a Women’s world Cup Final between England and Spain in 2023. In 2025, Mayo said that their "goal is to make it to the Men's World Cup in 2026.” Well, as they say in soccer … goal!!!!!
Much of Mayo’s social presence includes nuggets of wisdom about being a referee.
“As an assistant you often only get a few moments to build positive relationships with players and coaches,” she wrote in November, alongside a picture of her shaking hands with a soccer player. “Make sure to take full advantage of these moments.”
Mayo’s time at the World Cup adds yet another accolade to a banner year: in January, she earned the title of U.S. Soccer Female Referee of the Year.
“I want to share my gratitude for everyone, especially the women, who have paved the way for all the opportunities that are now afforded to us as officials,” Mayo said at the time. “I believe with mutual respect and support for everyone involved, we can continue to grow this beautiful game in our country.”
