How Much Will Referees Earn During FIFA World Cup 2026?

The FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on June 11.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, football’s grandest spectacle, has officially reached its final countdown, as the tournament is set to begin in less than a week.

As the event draws closer, the excitement for football’s most prestigious title is at its absolute pinnacle. With the opening match set to be played in less than two weeks, the qualified nations are currently undertaking their final preparations, and the squads are preparing for the gruelling tournament ahead.

This historic 2026 campaign is set to be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first time a World Cup will be held in North America in 32 years, since the United States hosted the tournament in 1994.

The upcoming edition also finds its place in the record books by featuring 48 teams instead of the traditional 32 teams, increasing the overall matches from 64 in the 2022 edition to 104, with the introduction of a new round of 32 knockout stage.

With this newly expanded structure, the 2026 World Cup is set to include a diverse host of nations, ranging from tournament favourites to highly ambitious tournament debutants – all competing fiercely for the coveted trophy.

Also Read: 2026 FIFA World Cup: List of all Referees, Assistant Referees & VAR Officials

Referees’ Income for FIFA World Cup Revealed

The official reports suggest that referees will be receiving increased earnings for their services for the competition. With the World Cup expanding to 48 nations for the first time, the total number of matches.

To reward elite match officials, FIFA has confirmed that referees will receive a record-breaking earnings package for the upcoming tournament. For the historic expansion, match referees are scheduled to receive a guaranteed base salary of over $100,000 for their selection to the tournament panel.

With the increase, the total earnings for top-tier officials will double compared to the 2014 edition. With several matchday fees and additional fees for matches officiating in the knockout stages, they could potentially pocket more than $430,000 (£325,000) in total.

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