FIFA secured tax exemptions for itself and federations for the World Cup, but left the actual players to pay the IRS. A uniquely U.S. scenario. 💀
The multi-billion dollar corporation got its tax break, but the athletes who actually put on the show are handing over up to 40%+ of their earnings to the U.S. government.
FIFA normally makes host nation tax-exempt status a non-negotiable requirement to host the World Cup. In Qatar (2022), Russia (2018), Brazil (2014), and South Africa (2010), host governments signed total tax holidays protecting players from paying local income taxes on prize money.


