World Cup Referees Earn Big As African Official Denied Entry

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest in history, with 48 teams competing across North America. But while referees are preparing for a record payday, controversy has already emerged after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States.

Artan, who travelled with a diplomatic passport, was stopped at Miami International Airport and forced to return to Istanbul. His exclusion has reduced FIFA’s pool of centre referees from 52 to 51, unless a replacement is named. The incident has raised questions about US immigration policies and their impact on international sporting events.

For referees who make it to the tournament, the financial rewards are substantial. Reports indicate that each referee will earn at least $100,000 for their involvement, with additional bonuses depending on the number of matches officiated. Those selected for the final in New Jersey on July 19 will receive the highest payout in World Cup history.

The expanded format of the tournament, spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has increased the workload for officials. FIFA has selected 88 assistant referees and 30 Video Assistant Referees (VARs) to support the 51 centre referees. The list includes some of the most experienced names in world football.

Among them is Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the dramatic 2022 final between Argentina and France. Premier League officials Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are also on the roster, alongside French referees François Letexier and Clément Turpin, and Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic.

Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the opening match in Mexico City between the hosts and South Africa. His appointment reflects FIFA’s strategy of blending experienced officials with emerging talents to ensure consistency across the expanded competition.

African referees are represented by Tom Abongile of South Africa, Mustapha Ghorbal of Algeria, Amin Mohamed of Egypt, Pierre Atcho of Gabon, Dahane Beida of Mauritania, and Jalal Jayed of Morocco. However, Artan’s exclusion has cast a shadow over the continent’s representation.

No Kenyan referee was selected this time, a notable absence given the country’s growing football profile. The decision underscores FIFA’s emphasis on referees with consistent exposure to top-level international competitions.

The financial rewards for referees mirror FIFA’s broader investment in the tournament. Clubs will also benefit, with FIFA pledging to pay teams daily for each player involved. Payments will be backdated to qualifiers, ensuring clubs are compensated for releasing players to national duty.

For referees, the pay structure reflects both the demands of officiating at the highest level and FIFA’s ambition to attract the best officials. The final in New Jersey is expected to deliver a record-breaking payout, reinforcing the prestige of officiating the world’s most-watched football match.

Yet, Artan’s case highlights the challenges that can overshadow such opportunities. His denial of entry has sparked debate about fairness and inclusivity, particularly for officials from Africa and other regions facing stricter visa scrutiny.

As the tournament kicks off, the focus will be on the referees’ performance on the pitch. But off the pitch, questions remain about how immigration policies intersect with FIFA’s global ambitions. For now, referees who made the cut are preparing for both the responsibility and the rewards of officiating at football’s grandest stage.