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Spain captain Rodri and his teammates celebrate with the trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New Jersey Stadium on July 19 (local time). / Photo courtesy of Reuters, Yonhap News Agency

Fox News reported on July 21 (local time) that US lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are strongly pushing back, calling it a "rip-off," following news that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) could tax up to 30 percent of the $50 million (around 74 billion won) prize money awarded to Spain for winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

US tax law classifies 30 percent of income earned by non-resident foreigners working in the United States as subject to federal withholding tax. Unless tax treaties or special exemptions apply, this rate is enforced as is. Since the Spanish national team played its matches in the United States, concerns have been raised that a significant portion of its championship prize money could be taxed.

In response, members of the House of Representatives criticized the situation, stating it highlights flaws in the US tax system.

Republican Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee said, "It's a rip-off. We should be encouraging foreign athletes to come and spend money in the United States, but instead we are imposing a heavy tax burden on them."

Democratic Representative Jonathan Jackson of Illinois noted, "It's wrong for workers to pay a 30 percent tax. Corporations should be paying more taxes. This is a prime example of what is wrong with the US tax system."

Republican Representative Burgess Owens of Utah emphasized, "Hosting the World Cup brings positive impacts to the US economy and sports culture," adding, "30 percent is just too much."

Total prize money for this World Cup reached $871 million (around 1.3 trillion won), with $655 million (around 968.5 billion won) distributed based on performance. Every team that competed in the United States is subject to taxation on a portion of its payout, including participation fees.

Lawmakers expressed concern that this situation could negatively affect future US efforts to host international sporting events.

                                                                                                            Park Jin-sook