Golden Whistle: How Much World Cup Referees Will Earn

The highest payments ever: match officials in the 2026 World Cup in the United States will receive a surprising sum.

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever held in the history of the tournament. With 104 matches across three host countries, it promises major revenue for FIFA, but another group set to benefit from the tournament’s expansion is the officiating teams, since a larger workload means more money. The Times reported today (Monday) that referees are expected to receive the highest payments ever awarded.

Top officials who reach the decisive stages of the competition could earn more than $100,000, twice as much as the whistle-blowers earned at the 2014 World Cup. The compensation will not be the same for all referees. According to the report, FIFA is expected to award additional bonuses to referees selected to officiate matches in the later stages of the tournament, including the semifinals and the final. In other words, only those who earn the trust of FIFA’s refereeing committee will officiate in the later stages, since appointments will be determined according to referees’ rankings in the group stage and only a short time before each match is played.

Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are considered the leading candidates to reach the final stretch. In April, FIFA published the list of officials selected for the 2026 World Cup. The roster includes 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 VAR officials from all six confederations and 50 different associations around the world. This is the largest and most comprehensive officiating setup ever selected for a World Cup.

As mentioned, VAR officials will receive broader authority. They will be able to review fouls committed before a set piece and correct incorrect decisions regarding awarded corners. In addition, new procedures will take effect regarding substitutions and medical treatment on the field, in order to reduce wasted time and increase playing time.