Archive · 22 Jul 2026
World Cup Prize Money Faces US Tax Implications
Spain won the World Cup and got $50 million from FIFA.
But the US might take up to 30% of that money in taxes.
Some countries, like Spain and England, have special deals with the US to pay less or no tax.
Other countries, like Brazil and Argentina, might have to pay more.
Players and coaches could also owe taxes on their personal earnings, depending on where they're from.
The final amount Spain and other teams get to keep will depend on these tax rules.
Spain won the World Cup and received $50 million in prize money from FIFA.
The US may tax up to 30% of the prize money for countries without tax treaties.
Countries with tax treaties, like Spain and England, may face lower or no US federal taxes.
Players and coaches may still owe US taxes on personal earnings, depending on their country's treaty status.
The final earnings for teams will be determined after considering tax treaties, income allocation, and state taxes.
- Who
- Spain, Brazil, Argentina, and other World Cup teams
- What
- Potential US taxes on World Cup prize money and personal earnings
- When
- During and after the World Cup
- Where
- United States, specifically in host cities like Miami, California, and New Jersey
- Why
- Due to US tax laws and the absence or presence of tax treaties between countries
Treaty Countries
Non-Treaty Countries
Tax Benefits
Treaty Countries
Countries with tax treaties (e.g., Spain, England) may face lower or no US federal taxes on prize money.
Non-Treaty Countries
Countries without tax treaties (e.g., Brazil, Argentina) may face up to 30% US federal tax on prize money.
Player Taxation
Treaty Countries
Players from treaty countries may still owe US tax on personal earnings like bonuses and endorsements.
Non-Treaty Countries
Players from non-treaty countries may face higher US tax rates on personal earnings.
- Prize Money
- $50 million for Spain
- US Federal Tax Rate
- Up to 30%
- Treaty Countries
- Spain, England, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa
- Non-Treaty Countries
- Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, Senegal, Nigeria, Haiti, Curaçao, Cape Verde
- US Corporate Tax Rate
- 21%
- US Individual Income Tax Rate
- Up to 37%
- California State Income Tax Rate
- Up to 13.3%
- New Jersey State Income Tax Rate
- Up to 10.75%