Abongile Tom’s historic selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only a career milestone — it is also set to come with a massive financial reward.
The South African referee has been named among 52 match officials for the global showpiece in the USA, Mexico and Canada, scheduled from June 11 to July 19.
He will be joined by experienced assistant referee Zakhele Siwela, who will be officiating at his third World Cup.
While FIFA is yet to officially confirm payment structures for the 2026 edition, previous figures from the 2022 tournament in Qatar paint a clear picture of what awaits.
At the last World Cup, referees — including South Africa’s Victor Gomes — received a base fee of around $70 000 (approximately R1.15 million). Assistant referees earned about $25000 (roughly R410 000).
On top of that, match fees significantly boosted earnings. Referees were paid around $3 000 (R49 000) per group stage match, rising to $10 000 (R164,000) in the knockout rounds. Assistant referees earned slightly less, but still substantial amounts per game.
With match officials typically handling at least two games during the tournament, Tom is almost guaranteed to cross the million-rand mark — even before additional match fees are considered.
Given that FIFA has already approved increased funding for the expanded 2026 tournament, expectations are that officials could earn even more this time around.
For Tom, it’s a reward that matches the magnitude of the moment — stepping onto football’s biggest stage, with both prestige and a lucrative payday to follow.