The 48th edition of the Copa América clinched by Argentina and hosted by the United States witnessed women referees breaking through the barriers and creating history. Copa América 2024 became the first edition in the history of the oldest national team tournament to be officiated by female referees. The 2024 Copa América included a total of 101 match officials, eight out of which were female. The revolutionary decision of South America’s football ruling body CONMEBOL  to include women as official referees in the 2024 Copa América edition served as a leading example to encourage women’s participation in such male-dominated sports. 

In this article, we will take a look at the top five female referees who created history at the Copa América 2024. 

• Edina Alves Batista

Brazilian association female football referee, Edina Alves Batista, has officiated numerous high-stakes soccer tournaments, including the 2018 Copa América Femenina, the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia. Edina Alves Batista was one of the eight women referees to officiate the recently concluded 2024 Copa América tournament. The Brazilian female football referee undoubtedly made history by solidifying her place as one of the top five female referees to officiate at the 48th edition of the Copa América. Ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, Edina Alves Batista has also been picked up by FIFA as a crucial member of the officiating pool, speaking volumes about her inspiring officiating journey. 

• Tori Penso

Mary Victoria Penso, popularly referred to as “Mary Victoria” and “Tori Penso”, is the second on our list of top five female referees who made history at the Copa América 2024. Mary Victoria officiated the match between Bolivia and Panama on July 2, 2024, and solidified herself as the first woman referee to officiate a high-action match in the history of Copa América. Earlier, Mary Victoria Penso also smashed the record for being the first American woman referee to officiate a FIFA World Cup match at the 2023 FIFA World Cup Final. Additionally, Mary Victoria also officiated the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the American referee Mary Victoria will also be officiating for FIFA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

• Tatiana Guzmán

Nicaraguan Association football referee and former football player, Tatiana Auxiliadora Guzmán Alguera, popularly referred to as “Tatiana Guzman”, was also a part of the officiating pool at the 2024 Copa América, revolutionizing the history of the oldest continental football tournament. Tatiana Guzman was picked by South America’s football ruling body CONMEBOL to officiate the 2024 Copa América as a video assistant referee, which happened for the first time in the history of the Copa América tournament, garnering immense praise and acknowledgement from the football aficionados and global sports fraternity at large. Tatiana Guzman did an incredible job as a video assistant referee (VAR) and established herself as one of the top five female referees to make history at the 2024 Copa América.

• Migdalía Rodriguez

Migdalía Rodriguez served as a leading example for women referees at the 2024 Copa América to thrive and achieve exemplary milestones. Migdalía Rodriguez officiated the 48th edition of Copa América as an assistant referee and successfully solidified her place as one of the top five female referees to make history at the Copa América 2024. Apart from her formidable feat at the 2024 Copa América, Migdalía Rodriguez has also achieved numerous other phenomenal milestones as a female referee. Migdalía Rodriguez was the first woman referee to officiate a Caribbean series game that took place in Jalisco, Mexico on February 3, 2018. Additionally, Migdalía Rodriguez also became the first female referee ever to officiate a World Baseball Classic Game in 2023. 

• Kathryn Nesbitt

Kathryn Nesbitt has been a prominent name in the world of football, officiating in numerous high-stakes football leagues and tournaments. American female referee Kathryn Nesbitt made highlights for being the first female referee ever to officiate FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Additionally, Kathryn Nesbitt also created history after being selected as the first female referee to officiate in the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs in 2020. The 48th edition of Copa América proved to be yet another game changer for the trailblazer as she was officially selected by the CONMEBOL to officiate the 2024 Copa América as a video assistant referee (VAR), making her way gracefully into our list of top five female referees to make history at the 2024 Copa América.

Also Read: Top Five Best Female Footballers of India in 2024

Canada the surprise team of the 2024 Copa America has emerged as the sole representative of Concacaf in the semifinals. While powerhouses like the US and Mexico stumbled Les Rouges have impressed with a blend of talented players and an exciting style of play.

From Qualifiers to Contenders

Canada’s journey began with their dominant performance in World Cup qualifying. They were not just punching above their weight. They were staking their claim as a legitimate force in soccer. This momentum carried over to Copa America where their roster boasts stars like Alphonso Davies, Stephen Eustáquio, Ismaël Koné, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin.

Marsch’s Impact

Despite joining just before the tournament manager Jesse Marsch has instilled his philosophy in the team. Their high-octane, attacking approach evident in the early goal against Venezuela assisted by a throw-in and aggressive runs reflects his vision. The players are bought in, showcasing a dedication to Marsch’s tactics.

Facing Adversity

Canada’s path has not been entirely smooth sailing. The federation’s financial struggles stemming from a questionable sponsorship deal add another layer to their story. However they have capitalized on a fortunate draw that included a winnable group and a favourable quarter-final opponent.

Also Read:Top 5 Football Records That Might Never Be Broken

Shining in the Spotlight

With Mexico and the US out Canada finds itself the sole Concacaf representative basking in the regional spotlight. Their upcoming semi-final against Argentina presents a massive opportunity. An upset could solidify Canada’s position as a rising star in soccer and set the stage for a potentially historic World Cup on home soil in 2026.

BR Football Said: Canada reach the semifinals in their first-ever Copa América. 

Incredible 

Canada reach the semifinals in their first-ever Copa América.

Incredible 👏 pic.twitter.com/c0gjn8UQgt

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 6, 2024

A sporting icon in Canada after his 2010 Olympics ice hockey final golden goal, Sidney Crosby watched on as Jesse Marsch’s team booked a Copa America semi-final spot.

The Pittsburgh Penguins star then joined dressing room celebrations & provided some inspiration

A sporting icon in Canada after his 2010 Olympics ice hockey final golden goal, Sidney Crosby watched on as Jesse Marsch's team booked a Copa America semi-final spot.

The Pittsburgh Penguins star then joined dressing room celebrations & provided some inspiration

📝 @joshuakloke pic.twitter.com/7ijyz3cjdt

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) July 6, 2024