FIFA World Cup 2026 Referees: Who Will Officiate and How Much Will They Earn?
FIFA has selected elite referees from around the world to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s how referees are chosen and the estimated salaries and match fees they receive.
Elite Officials Selected for the World’s Biggest Tournament
The FIFA World Cup is not only the biggest stage for footballers but also for referees. Only the world’s highest-rated match officials are selected after years of officiating in top domestic leagues, continental competitions, and FIFA tournaments.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA appointed 117 match officials from 41 member associations, comprising:
- 35 Referees
- 58 Assistant Referees
- 24 Video Match Officials (VAR)
The officials were selected after months of intensive fitness tests, technical evaluations, and seminars organized by FIFA.
Estimated Earnings for World Cup Referees
Although FIFA does not publicly disclose every official’s exact earnings, referees are reported to receive generous compensation for officiating at the tournament.
Referees
- Tournament preparation fee: Approximately USD 25,000–30,000
- Match fee: Around USD 3,000–5,000 per match
Assistant Referees
- Tournament fee: USD 15,000–20,000
- Match fee: USD 2,000–3,000 per match
VAR Officials
- Estimated tournament allowance and match fees comparable to assistant referees, depending on appointments.
Officials assigned to the semi-finals and the World Cup final typically earn additional match fees because they officiate more games.
What It Takes to Become a World Cup Referee
To earn a place at the FIFA World Cup, referees must:
- Hold a FIFA international referee badge.
- Officiate regularly in top-tier domestic leagues.
- Handle major continental competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, CAF Champions League, Copa Libertadores, or AFC Champions League.
- Pass demanding fitness, medical, and technical assessments.
- Complete FIFA training seminars before the tournament.
Technology Plays a Bigger Role
The 2026 tournament also features:
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR)
- Semi-automated offside technology
- Goal-line technology
- Advanced communication systems connecting the referee and assistants.
These technologies are designed to improve decision-making accuracy during matches.
A Prestigious Appointment
Being selected as a FIFA World Cup referee is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in football officiating. Beyond the financial rewards, officials gain worldwide recognition and the opportunity to oversee the sport’s biggest matches.