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Oliver and Taylor set for $100,000 World Cup 2026 windfall with final bonus on offer

Premier League referees Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor will each earn $100,000 (£75,000) for officiating at the 2026 World Cup — roughly double the 2014 rate — with additional bonuses available if either reaches the final on July 19.

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Oliver and Taylor set for $100,000 World Cup 2026 windfall with final bonus on offer
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Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor, England’s two most prominent Premier League referees, have been selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, where each official is set to earn $100,000 (£75,000) for the tournament — approximately double what referees were paid at the 2014 edition.

Both could earn further bonuses if they progress to the latter stages of the competition, with the largest payout reserved for whichever official takes charge of the final on July 19. There is, however, one condition: neither can be appointed to the showpiece if England reach it themselves.

Jarred Gillett, an Australian referee who also works in the Premier League, has been named in the World Cup squad as a specialist VAR official.

The World Cup fees come on top of already substantial domestic earnings. Oliver and Taylor have each earned around £250,000 this season through Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League appointments. The EFL previously disclosed to clubs that the average Premier League referee earns between £170,000 and £180,000 per season in match fees and bonuses, with base salaries ranging from £72,000 to £148,000 depending on experience and seniority. Even junior officials in the Premier League’s Select One category can earn around £125,000 a year as a starting point.

FIFA has also introduced a series of new rules and VAR protocols for the tournament. VAR officials will now have the authority to disallow goals for an attacking foul committed before the ball is even in play, and to overturn corner-kick decisions if awarded incorrectly — a power that did not exist at previous World Cups. For the first time, VAR will also be able to review red cards issued as a result of a second yellow.

Time-wasting measures have been tightened significantly. Substitutes will be required to leave the field within ten seconds of being replaced, and any player who goes off the pitch for treatment must remain off for a full minute before returning.

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