Spain's 2026 World Cup win triggers US jock tax on $50 mln prize

Published Jul 23, 07:34 AM UTC

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Spain has won the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning a $50 million prize. However, the celebration is tempered by complex U.S. tax laws known as 'jock taxes,' which apply to players, coaches, and referees. The IRS is entitled to a portion of the earnings due to games played in the United States, creating unexpected financial and administrative burdens for the Spanish team. The article highlights the intricate tax rules that professional athletes face when earning income in multiple jurisdictions, particularly in the U.S., where state and federal taxes can significantly reduce net winnings.

Source report

Players, coaches, and referees all face complex U.S. “jock taxes”

By Joshua Hong July 23, 2026 — 27 minutes ago

Spain may have claimed the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, but the U.S. taxman is still taking a share of the $50 million prize purse. Under the complex web of U.S. “jock taxes,” players, coaches, and referees are all subject to federal and state income taxes on earnings tied to games played on American soil.

Key Facts

Prize money: $50 million awarded to the winning team
Tax liability: Applies to income earned from matches held in the United States
Who is affected: Players, coaches, and referees
Tax type: “Jock taxes” — a combination of federal and state-level taxes on professional athletes and event personnel

The U.S. tax code treats prize money as taxable income, and because the 2026 World Cup was hosted across North America — with a significant number of matches in the United States — the IRS and several state tax authorities are entitled to a portion of the earnings.

This is not unique to Spain. All participating teams face similar tax obligations for games played in jurisdictions that impose such taxes.

This article originally appeared in Fortune’s Personal Finance section.

Source

Fortune | FORTUNEWestern

Original headline: Spain lifted the World Cup, but the IRS still gets a cut of its $50 million pay day as players, coaches and refs all face complex U.S. “jock taxes”

Original language: EN-US

Part of this Story

Spain's World Cup Win Triggers U.S. Jock Tax Obligations on $50 Million Prize

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