The biggest party in global sport is underway, and soccer's governing body stands to profit nearly $9 billion. How did FIFA squeeze U.S. taxpayers with so many hidden costs? The Athletic's Adam Crafton crunches the numbers on wasted public money, as Pablo dissects comically absurd demands upon host cities — from "clean" stadiums and super-V.I.P. treatment... to a pop-up jail.

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Further reading:

• "The U.S. signed up for the World Cup — and its host cities are paying for it"

• "U.S. states waived taxes to host World Cup"

• "The $25.8m Kansas City 'World Cup jail'"

• Rahm Emanuel Q&A: 'The numbers don't work'"

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America Signed Up for the World Cup. FIFA Stuck You with the Tab.

Pablo Torre Finds Out

America Signed Up for the World Cup. FIFA Stuck You with the Tab.