'Unbelievable' cost of single pretzel at World Cup stadium

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is officially underway, with Seattle Stadium set to host the United States’ anticipated bout against Australia, Egypt vs Iran, and a single RO32 and RO16 game later in the competition.

Despite the action not hitting Lumen Field until 15 June, the venue, home to the NWSL’s Seattle Reign and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, is making headlines after its tournament food and drink prices were revealed on social media.

According to a set of images shared by X user, sports commentator @noahriffe, Seattle’s World Cup drink roster includes: 16oz/454ml cups of American-made ($17.99/£13.43) and craft and imported beer ($18.99/£14.17), as well as one-litre bottles of water for $10.49 (£7.83) and 20oz/591ml vessels for $5.99 (£4.47).

Punnets of cotton candy cost $11.99 (£8.95), and churros are priced at $10.99 (£8.21), while a pack of kettle corn will set you back by $13.49 (£10.07).

World cup food and drink prices at the Seattle Stadium have been revealed (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Ice cream dots, an icy beaded treat created by flash-freezing ice cream mix in liquid nitrogen, also costs $11.99 (£8.95).

However, it's the soft pretzels on sale that have ruffled some football fans’ feathers.

The X post lists a single soft pretzel as costing $13.49, which is around £10.07.

Regarding the extortionate price of the treat, one X user typed: “That better be the best pretzel I've ever had because that price is insane.

Another echoed: “Damn that better be a good ass pretzel”

“From Germany. What pretzel beer Nuts? Price is unbelievable,” a third continued.

Meanwhile, a stadium regular has given some insight into the price stratergy [sic], claiming: “It's not just the World Cup — I’ve paid similarly at MLS games as well. No matter which stadium you visit, they typically charge like that.”

“Try going to a concert in the States,” someone else agreed. “These are decent prices compared to regular entertainment/sports prices.”

More ‘scandalous’ World Cup food and drink prices

To warm up for the tournament, Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions took on New Zealand at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Those attending the venue were served cans of large domestic beer during the match, which cost $16.75 (£12.54) a pop, according to reports.

The internet was outraged to hear how much drinks cost during England's 1-0 win over New Zealand (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

For a premium pint, fans were forced to shell out $18(£13.43).

Those seeking alternative alcoholic refreshments at the Florida venue could have purchased a ‘hard tea’ for the same price or select an ‘ultra premium double cocktail’, with either Codigo Tequila, Elyx Vodka, Jefferson’s Bourbon or Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum, for $26.50 (£19.77), according to Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan.

Meanwhile, a single ‘ultra premium’ cocktail, a frozen strawberry daiquiri, and a frozen margarita were all priced at $19.50 (£14.55), PA’s Simon Peach shared.

Non-alcoholic beer cost a straight $10 (£7.46); Gatorade was $8.75 (£6.53); and an Aquafina water was $7.50 (£5.60).

Drinks prices at the Florida venue were revealed via social media (X/@mikekeegan_dm)

Social media users were quick to debate the hefty price tags, with one claiming: “Yeah it might be a sober world cup for most after those flights, hotels, tickets and other expenses."

A second reported: "That's scandalous it's dearer than Disney."

England World Cup food and drink venue prices

According to Football Ground Guide, a basic meal and a beer will set you back $23.88 (£17.83) at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where England’s first game will take place against Croatia on 17 June.

The Three Lions will then head to the Boston Stadium, also known as the Gillette Stadium, to take on Ghana on 23 June.

Football 2026 reports hot dogs will be priced at £6.30, and burgers at £10.45 at the venue.

Meanwhile, a basic meal and a beer at the MetLife Stadium for England’s match against Panama on 27 June will cost you £24.87, the publication reported.

England's 2026 World Cup squad

Forwards

9 - Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

7 - Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

18 - Anthony Gordon (Barcelona)

20 - Noni Madueke (Arsenal)

11 - Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United)

22 - Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)

19 - Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Midfielders

4 - Declan Rice (Arsenal)

8 - Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)

10 - Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

21 - Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

14 - Jordan Henderson (Brentford)

16 - Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)

17 - Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Jude Bellingham was named to the England squad (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Defenders

3 - Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)

5 - John Stones (Manchester City)

2 - Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)

6 - Marc Guéhi (Manchester City)

15 - Dan Burn (Newcastle United)

24 - Reece James (Chelsea)

12 - Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)

26 - Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)

25 - Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)