World Cup food and drink prices are sparking fury as cost of water astonishes internet
Topics: World Cup, Sport, Food and Drink
Greg Harris
Featured Image Credit: Matt McNulty - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Topics: World Cup, Sport, Food and Drink
The day football fans have been waiting for is finally here but something that has already caught them off guard is the cost of water.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off later today and fans have already arrived in Mexico City for the opening ceremony. The tournament is jointly hosted by 16 cities - 11 in the US, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
However, World Cup fans have already been dealt a blow before the first match. As any tourist will know, prices can sometimes be steep depending on where you travel. Fans have already complained about the price of tickets and flights, hotels, transport. And now, water.
With more than 5 million fans expected to attend. Inside and around stadiums, food and drink prices have now gone viral. Fans got an early taste of tournament prices during a warm-up match between England and New Zealand in Tampa, Florida.
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According to The Sun, a large premium beer cost $18, while a double cocktail came in at nearly $27. Even staying hydrated carried a hefty price tag, with a bottle of water priced at $7.50.
Water costs have become a major talking point, particularly as many host cities are expected to experience high temperatures during the competition this summer. Following public criticism, FIFA announced on June 5 that spectators would be permitted to bring one factory-sealed 20-ounce bottle of water into stadiums.
All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada. ✅
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 5, 2026
As FIFA World Cup 2026 Chief Operating Officer, Heimo Schirgi, explains, fans will not be permitted… pic.twitter.com/ePEHq9oalJ
Fans travelling to World Cup matches will no longer be allowed to bring reusable water bottles into stadiums after a late policy U-turn, a move that came as a surprise to fans.
Food and drink costs are expected to differ significantly depending on the country and venue.
“FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees,” a spokesperson told NBC News in a statement Thursday.
“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations, and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums,” the statement said.
Fans have taken to social media to share their frustrations over the prices. A picture from Seattle Stadium revealed that water there will cost $5.99 and beer is priced at $17.99.
“5$ for water wow ,” one fan said in shock.
“$6 for Dasani? That’s criminal,” another football fan said in jest.
A picture of the menu from Kansas City showed beer for $19 and Dasani water for $4.
England will kick off their campaign on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, against Croatia.