KPMG article: Reported FIFA 2026 World Cup tax deal allows teams to seek section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Teams may seek federal income tax exemptions under section 501(c), but players and staff still face complex state, local, and social security obligations.
FIFA has reportedly secured a significant breakthrough with the U.S. Treasury Department, allowing national associations to seek exemption from U.S. federal income tax on their 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament earnings by applying for tax-exempt status under section 501(c).
Following months of lobbying, this reported agreement moves the United States closer to host partners Canada and Mexico, which have already enacted federal-level relief for national associations. Although this policy decision reduces federal tax exposure on team-level tournament earnings, it does not provide a blanket tax holiday for individuals.
Players, coaches, and support staff remain subject to U.S. federal income tax on U.S.-source income, and double taxation treaties continue to drive individual tax exposure. Additionally, commercial sponsorships, state and local taxes, worker classification, and social security obligations remain fully in play and unaffected by the federal exemption.
Read a June 2026 article* prepared by KPMG LLP tax professionals
* Reproduced with permission from Tax Management International Journal, 6/4/2026. ©2026 by Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc. (800-372-1033) http://www.bloombergindustry.com