2026 World Cup: the surge in catering prices is shocking

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, organized jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, impresses not only with its brand-new infrastructure or the diversity of its supporters, but also with the high cost of catering within the venues. From the first matches, many international supporters expressed their surprise, even their dissatisfaction, at the soaring prices of food and drinks offered in stadiums.

In Miami, for example, certain dishes are almost akin to prestigious culinary works, like the platter of crispy potatoes topped with caviar for $75 or the impressive 2.2 kg empanada offered for $40. In Los Angeles, a cheeseburger called “Twinkie”, although unrelated to the famous cake, costs 22 dollars. In Mexico, in Guadalajara, taco lovers must pay $8 each. For French supporters accustomed to more affordable concessions, these prices are confusing.

The controversy is especially growing around the price of drinks: in Toronto, a beer can reach 24.25 Canadian dollars, or nearly 17 American dollars or 15 euros – three times the average price in Europe. Thomas Schüller, a German supporter met in Canada, testifies: “It's not fair, it's not normal — it's three times what I pay at home. » Despite everything, the festive atmosphere and the unique event that the World Cup represents encourage many supporters to put things into perspective, with some admitting that they would not hesitate to pay despite their indignation.

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The differences in prices between the host cities can be explained by the emphasis given to local specialties. In Vancouver, for example, we find the traditional poutine revisited with slow-cooked beef, or the famous smoked sausage topped with onion confit with maple syrup. In Miami, Cuban flavors are in the spotlight with a generously garnished pan con lechon.

In the Mexican capital, the contrast is striking: while the minimum daily wage is around 315 pesos (around $18), some beers sell for between 299 and 310 pesos, much more expensive than normal outside the World Cup.

But there are also stadiums where prices remain reasonable, like Atlanta, where the local club owner's long-standing commitment to affordable menus continues: $3 slice of pizza, $4 giant soda, $5 cheeseburger and beer starting at $8 — a relief for families coming for the event.

If the world event is held every four years, many supporters believe that the experience nevertheless justifies certain price excesses. The craze is such that having a drink with fans from the four corners of the globe becomes a memory as unforgettable... as it is expensive.