The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off this month with a projected record $150 billion in total wagers — driven largely by millions of first-time bettors.
But while new fans may be studying brackets, a different kind of scoreboard lurks off the field: shifts in federal tax law. Under the newly enacted 90% limit on gambling loss deductions, even fans who finish the tournament break-even could face an unexpected bill from the IRS.
