Story perspectives

Spain Wins 2026 World Cup, $50 M Prize Amid Tax Withholding

7/22/2026

Summary

Spain Wins

Spain defeated Argentina in extra time at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, winning $50 million.
U.S. tax law imposes a 30% federal withholding on non-resident earnings because New Jersey does not honor tax treaties.
Tax expert Robert Raiola said the IRS will take a share from the federation, players, coaches, staff and referees.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) called the tax a “rip-off” and “wrong,” respectively.

Summary

FIFA Boosts Payouts

FIFA raised the 2026 World Cup prize fund to $871 million, almost double the $440 million pool in 2022.
Each qualified federation receives a guaranteed $12.5 million—$10 million for participation and $2.5 million for preparation.
Spain, the champions, will earn $50 million while Argentina, the runners-up, will earn $33 million.
FIFA will pay for business-class flights, hotel rooms for a 50-person delegation and domestic transport.
The payouts aim to boost grassroots, youth, coaching, infrastructure and women’s football.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the United States hosted the 15th FIFA World Cup, which Brazil won and attracted a record 3.6 million spectators, while U.S. Soccer spent $500 million on preparation. That financially ambitious model set prize-money expectations that continue to shape planning for the 2026 tournament, illustrating how early fiscal choices still affect FIFA’s revenue strategies.

1 of 3

Spain Wins

Spain defeated Argentina in extra time at the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, winning $50 million.
U.S. tax law imposes a 30% federal withholding on non-resident earnings because New Jersey does not honor tax treaties.
Tax expert Robert Raiola said the IRS will take a share from the federation, players, coaches, staff and referees.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) called the tax a “rip-off” and “wrong,” respectively.

1 / 3