Football fans who attend 2026 World Cup matches face having to fork out eye-watering prices for food and drinks options inside stadiums.

FIFA faced fierce criticism last week after deciding supporters would no longer be able to bring water bottles into venues in North America due to safety concerns. This decision was later reversed following the backlash.

“Each spectator can bring with them one 20 ounce (560ml) soft, plastic disposable factory-sealed water bottle into the stadium,” World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi, later confirmed.

“What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.”

Seattle Stadium Food and Drink Prices at 2026 World Cup

Steven Bisig via IMAGN

High temperatures are expected at games throughout the tournament. Nearly half of all fixtures face a 50 per cent chance of temperatures exceeding 28 degrees Celsius (82.4 Fahrenheit) – a threshold linked to declines in sprinting, distance covered and recovery time, according to The Independent.

In all 104 matches, there will be three-minute “hydration breaks” midway through each half.

However, supporters who don’t bring their own water bottle will need to cough up hefty prices to keep themselves hydrated.

Signs currently up at the 72,000-seater Seattle Stadium (also known as Lumen Field), where four group-stage matches are taking place, show a 20 ounce (560ml) bottle of water will cost $5.99 (£4.50).

Fans requiring more water can pay $10.49 (£7.85) for a one-litre bottle of water instead.

Two alcoholic beverages are available – but they’re not exactly cheap. One 16 ounce (one pint) of American Beer will set fans back a cool $17.99 (£13.46), while a Craft/Import Beer (illustrious on the board as a can of Stella Artois) is one dollar more expensive at $18.99 (£14.21).

Supporters feeling pecking have several options in the Food & Snacks category.

A soft pretzel costs $13.49 (£10.09), while kettle corn (popcorn) is the same price. ‘Cheaper’ alternatives include ice cream dots for $11.99 (£8.97), cotton candy for $11.99 (£8.97), or a churro for $10.99 (£7.48).

The cheapest option is a bag of nuts for $8.99 (£6.72). Ouch.

Needless to say, shocked supporters have had plenty to say about the Lumen Field food and drink prices on social media.

One football fan on X (Twitter) said: “£13.50 for a beer is criminal,” while another commented:

A third supporter commented: “At least Dirk Turpin wore a mask,” while a fourth added; “Who is paying nine dollars for some bloody nuts? Be serious.”

Another described the prices as “actual robbery” and a sixth fan simply said: “Disgrace”.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off at the iconic Estadio Azteca between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday.

Alex Pereira is set to make his heavyweight debut this weekend as he takes on Ciryl Gane for the interim championship on the South Lawn of the White House at UFC Freedom 250.

The Brazilian is aiming to become a three-weight champion in the UFC, which would make him the first fighter to do so in the company’s history, further cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever grace the Octagon.

In fact, Dana White has already said if Pereira does defeat Gane and become the interim heavyweight champion, he’ll overtake Jon Jones in the GOAT debate.

Alex Pereira’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC

Given his reputation and his status, it’s easy to forget that Pereira has only been an active fighter in the UFC for five years. In that time, however, he’s conquered the middleweight division, conquered the light heavyweight division, and is ready to conquer the heavyweight division as well.

With 12 fights under the UFC banner in those five years, the Brazilian has only lost twice. He was beaten by Israel Adesanya for the middleweight championship back at UFC 287 in 2023, before losing his light heavyweight strap to Magomed Ankalaev two years later at UFC 313.

However, Pereira’s resume is already seriously impressive. Not only has he won the middleweight championship and the light heavyweight championship, he’s beaten some stellar names in the process.

Sean Strickland, Adesanya, Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, Khalil Rountree Jr, and Ankalaev have all tasted defeat at the hands of Poatan, giving him a rather impressive professional MMA record of 13-3.

Pereira’s Body Transformation Throughout UFC Years

Dominating three divisions comes with its challenges, none more so than making weight for said division. From middleweight to now heavyweight, Pereira has got himself into shape with relative ease throughout the years, and his body transformation has been highlighted, as can be seen in the above X post by Championship Rounds.

Straight away, it’s easy to see just how much bulkier Pereira’s frame is at heavyweight than what it was at middleweight, and that should be no surprise. At middleweight, the weight limit is 185lbs, whereas at heavyweight, the limit is often around the 265lbs mark.

It’s already been reported that Pereira is weighing around 258lbs as fight week has arrived, meaning he’s in good shape ahead of his debut in the division.

Thierry Henry has named two outsiders he thinks can shock the world and emerge victorious at the 2026 World Cup, as well as his top contenders.

This summer’s tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, gets underway on June 11.

The 48 nations that are taking part in the competition will all have aspirations that they can lift the trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Argentina will be looking to retain their title, while France, Spain, England and Brazil are among the sides that have the quality to go all the way.

Thierry Henry Names His World Cup Favourites

Mandel Ngan via Reuters

Arsenal legend Henry knows a thing or two about winning the World Cup. He was part of the France squad that was crowned world champions for the first time in 1998.

Didier Deschamps is taking France into a major tournament for the final time this summer. The 57-year-old has named a very strong squad as Les Bleus look to be crowned world champions for a third time. Henry thinks they are the favourites. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said:

When asked to name France’s best strength, Henry replied:

“On the bench. It sounds simple, but squad depth is crucial. If your substitutes are on par with the starting eleven, it’s a huge advantage, especially in such a long tournament after an intense season.”

Thierry Names Talks Up Senegal and Norway’s Chances

Ints Kalnins Via Reuters

Henry also named other nations that he thinks are ‘promising candidates’ to win the competition. He told Betway:

“As for Germany, I’m waiting for them to rediscover their best form. Germany has qualified, and that’s the most important thing. Sometimes you can even play better with less pressure. In any case, I wish Julian Nagelsmann and his team all the best – unless they play against France.”

France, Senegal and Norway have all been paired together in a very tough group. Despite this, Henry thinks all three sides can win the competition.

He added: “Senegal has always been a country with special players, they just couldn’t get over the line by winning an AFCON. It’s been done since, and since that 2002 team they’ve never looked back.

“It’s good for France to start that way, because you have to be ready right from the start. There won’t be any easy games and you play against two outstanding teams.”

Senegal have never been past the quarter-finals at a World Cup. Norway’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1998 when they got to the round of 16.