Spain Faces 30% Tax on $50M World Cup Prize Money

Spain's national football team, La Roja, won the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final held at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19. The team earned a prize of $50 million; however, they could lose up to 30% of this amount to U.S. federal taxes.

According to U.S. tax laws, income generated from activities within the country is generally taxable, and payments to non-resident foreign athletes are typically subject to a 30% federal withholding tax unless reduced by a tax treaty or another exemption. Republican Congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee expressed his views on the potential tax burden, describing it as excessive and a "rip-off." He acknowledged that while he is not a fan of the tax, American professional athletes are also subject to it, indicating that they are aware of this when competing in the U.S.