World Cup prices inside Mexican stadiums shock fans, costing up to $27 for a beer

Attending the 2026 World Cup in Mexico has become an extraordinarily expensive affair, particularly for fans inside the stadiums. A 710ml draft beer at the Guadalajara stadium, where South Korea played Czech Republic, was priced at 330 Mexican pesos, approximately $29 USD. This price is a stark contrast to the 35-40 pesos ($3-$3.50 USD) for a 710ml can of beer purchased at a convenience store just outside the stadium.

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The price of 330 MEX$ for a 710ml draft beer... After calculating it once in my head, and again on my phone just in case, the number was about 29,000 won (approx. $27 USD) based on the exchange rate on the 11th (local time). This shocking figure was a prime example of 'rip-off pricing' that starkly illustrates the murderous prices of this World Cup. It's just too expensive, no matter how much of a World Cup it is.

The inflated prices extend to basic necessities like water, with a 600ml bottle costing 80 pesos ($7 USD) inside the stadium, compared to just 10 pesos ($0.90 USD) outside. This creates a situation where fans entering the stadium are effectively trapped in FIFA's "own world" of pricing. The cost of a Big Mac meal in the vicinity is around 130 pesos ($11 USD), illustrating how stadium prices far exceed even general local costs.

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Generally, it's extremely rare for people here to be able to buy World Cup match tickets.

These prices are particularly egregious when considering the local wage structure. Minerva Tequera, a 20-year-old employee at a taco stand visited by Son Heung-min, stated she earns about 50 pesos ($4.20 USD) per hour, including tips. She noted that it's rare for locals to afford World Cup match tickets, with the cheapest tickets for the Mexico vs. South Korea match reportedly reselling for a minimum of $3,900 USD, and some reaching $12,500 USD.

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Going to a World Cup match in person is something I can't even imagine. The tickets for Mexican matches are especially too expensive. It would take months of work just to afford the cheapest seat, and that's only for one person.

International media have also taken notice of the excessive commercialization and price gouging. Newsweek reported that the World Cup food and drink prices are "outrageous" and have sparked debate about whether the tournament has become a festival that ordinary fans cannot afford. Local media indicated that stadium food and beverage prices have doubled compared to regular Mexican league games. FIFA anticipates earning approximately $8.9 billion USD from the tournament, partly through such aggressive pricing strategies. While FIFA initially banned water bottles, they relented to allow one bottle per person after fan backlash, though this is often insufficient for the hot climate, forcing fans to purchase expensive stadium water.

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The World Cup food and beer prices are 'outrageous,' and the world's largest World Cup is becoming a festival that ordinary fans cannot afford, sparking debate.