Germany’s clash with Ecuador in New Jersey is a meeting of two teams in two very different situations.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side can relax for their Group E finale, having already qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockout stage as group winners after beating Curacao and Ivory Coast.
Ecuador, on the other hand, picked up just one point from their first two matches and failed to score – which means this game could be win or bust. Here are the officials who will take charge of the fixture.
Ecuador vs Germany referee confirmed
American Tori Penso will referee Ecuador vs Germany, with counterparts Brooke Mayo and Kathryn Nesbitt her assistants.
The 39-year-old took charge of Czechia’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in Group A, in which she gave a late penalty against Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc for handball.
Penso made history by officiating that game in Atlanta, as it saw her become only the second female to referee a men’s World Cup match, after Stephanie Frappart in 2022.
The Florida native had previously become just the fourth woman to take charge of an MLS match, back in September 2020.
Penso has plenty of pedigree on the global stage, officiating the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup between Spain and England, which the Lionesses lost 1-0.
She then went on to referee at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and the Club World Cup last summer.
According to transfermarkt, Penso has officiated 13 games since the start of the 2025/26 season, handing out 49 yellow cards and two reds.
Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh will be the fourth official for the Group E fixture, while Isaac Trevis is reserve assistant referee. Both are from New Zealand.
Germany boss Nagelsmann could make changes for the clash in New Jersey if he wants to preserve his stars for the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Ecuador will need to find their shooting boots as a draw will almost certainly not be enough to progress, even as a best third-place team.
