How much do World Cup referees earn?

World Cup 2026 referees are in line for a pay package built around a base fee and match-by-match bonuses, according to bolavip.

The report says each centre referee will receive about $70,000 simply for being at the tournament. On top of that, officials are paid $3,000 for each group-stage match and from $10,000 for knockout games, rising in stages.

That structure means a referee who works all the way through to the final could earn as much as $300,000.

Assistant referees are also set for tournament fees. Their base payment is listed at $25,000, with $2,500 for each group-stage match and from $5,000 for knockout rounds.

Officials will also receive a daily allowance to cover accommodation costs during the tournament.