MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The 2026 World Cup is underway, and along with it comes a range of expenses for fans, from ticket prices and flights to accommodation. One notable aspect causing surprise among international fans is the high cost of concessions, particularly beer.
Food and drink offerings at World Cup venues across the United States, Canada, and Mexico differ significantly in price and content. For instance, in Miami, one can find a $75 caviar-topped tray of tater tots or a hefty $40 empanada weighing 5 pounds. In contrast, more conventional options like rib-eye tacos are priced at $8 in Guadalajara, Mexico, while Los Angeles features a unique Twinkie cheeseburger priced at $22.
Although some of these prices align with what U.S. fans typically pay during NFL Sundays or college football Saturdays, international visitors have voiced concerns over the steep costs. Beer prices, in particular, can top $20, leading to complaints. Thomas Schüller, an engineer from Germany, expressed his discontent while holding a beer costing 24.25 Canadian dollars (about $17). He remarked, "It's three times the cost of what I pay in my country," although he admitted he wouldn't let that deter him from enjoying the event.
Sticker shock is apparent among visitors, especially those accustomed to lower beer prices in Europe, where a beer may cost around 4 or 5 euros (approximately $5-$6 USD). Some fans pointed out the hefty prices while sharing food experiences on social media, like a $34 lobster roll enjoyed by Argentina supporters or a brisket sandwich with chips for nearly 40 Canadian dollars ($28) lamented as "robbery" online.
FIFA, the organization behind the World Cup, maintains strict guidelines concerning various tournament elements, including concessions. Pricing and food offerings can vary significantly by location, meaning that the food experience one encounters in one city may differ markedly in another. For example, Miami's "Fancy AF Tots" are not traditional tater tots but rather deep-fried hash brown patties topped with caviar, crème fraîche, and chives, while Southern California's Twinkie cheeseburger includes a burger topped with a bacon-wrapped Texas Twinkie filled with brisket and cream cheese.
Local specialties are also showcased across venues, such as short rib poutine and maple bacon smokie in Vancouver, which showcase Canadian culinary flavors. Miami offers delicacies like pan con lechon, a Cuban sandwich featuring pork and citrus mojo sauce, as well as a gigantic handmade empanada named Empanada Mundial.
Concession prices in Mexico City can be shockingly high, sometimes equating to a day's wage, with beers priced around 299 to 310 pesos—double what locals usually pay. In stark contrast, Atlanta's concession prices remain user-friendly, with offerings such as $3 pizza slices, $4 sodas, and $5 cheeseburgers. For Jonathan Arango, a fan from South Carolina, the affordability of Atlanta's food significantly enhanced his experience, stating that they spent about $50 for a family meal at the stadium.
Despite the varying prices and some complaints from fans about the cost of concessions, many agree that being part of the World Cup experience is worthwhile. Schüller concluded that the excitement surrounding the tournament creates an atmosphere of enjoyment for football fans worldwide.
