How much does a World Cup referee make? Salary details and more for 2026 FIFA final officials

FIFA’s 2026 World Cup is not only paying players well; it is also setting out a detailed referee fee structure ahead of the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium. According to reported FIFA rates, the main referee’s baseline tournament participation fee starts at $70,000, plus $3,000 for each group-stage match and $10,000 for each knockout match they are assigned. Reporting also indicates top referees could reach around $100,000 when appearance fees are included. Officials working deeper into the draw could see total earnings near $300,000 once match fees and late-stage bonuses are added. Assistant referees and VAR staff are paid on a smaller scale, with $25,000 fixed fees plus per-match amounts that rise for knockout games. Travel, accommodation, meals, and daily allowances are covered, making the match fees cost-free.