For thousands of football fans, getting into the FIFA World Cup final is the ultimate prize. But once inside MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, another reality kicks in, every bite and sip comes with a hefty price tag. 

The final between Spain and Argentina is expected to be more than just a 90-minute spectacle. With an extended half-time entertainment show featuring global music stars, followed by the medal ceremony, trophy presentation and post-match celebrations, supporters are likely to spend five to six hours inside the venue. That makes food and drink less of a luxury and more of a necessity.

Whether it is a quick snack before kick-off, a beer during the break or dinner before heading home, fans will have to factor in stadium prices that can easily rival the cost of a decent restaurant meal.

Here's a look at what supporters can expect to pay.

Meal deals and stadium favourites

Fans looking for a full meal can opt for a chicken tenders combo, which includes four tenders, fries and a soft drink for $19 (around Rs 1,829).

Other popular food items available at the stadium include:

  • Deli sandwich: $16 (Rs 1,540)
  • Stadium hot dog: $8.50 (Rs 818)
  • French fries: $8 (Rs 770)
  • Cheese pizza: $11 (Rs 1,059)
  • Pepperoni pizza: $12 (Rs 1,155)
  • Hot or sweet sausage sandwich: $14 (Rs 1,348)
  • Cheese fries: $9 (Rs 866)
  • Chips: $5 (Rs 481)
  • Pretzel braid: $9 (Rs 866)
  • Turkey sandwich: $7 (Rs 674)
  • Clam strips: $6 (Rs 577)

Depending on the concession stand, menu options may vary, with some outlets offering only a limited selection while others serve more substantial meals.

Drinks come at a premium too

Even basic refreshments carry stadium pricing.

A 20-ounce bottle of water costs $5 (Rs 481), while soft drinks, including Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta, are priced at $6 (Rs 577). A bottle of Powerade is available for $7 (Rs 674).

Those planning to buy alcoholic beverages should expect to spend more:

  • Mixed cocktail: $17 (Rs 1,636)
  • Domestic beer (16 oz): $16 (Rs 1,540)
  • Craft or imported beer (16 oz): $17 (Rs 1,636)
  • Wine (6.3 oz): $15 (Rs 1,444)
  • Hard seltzer or canned cocktail: $19 (Rs 1,829)

Hunger during the final could prove expensive. A classic stadium combination of a hot dog, fries and a beer is enough to push the bill past Rs 3,100, with bigger meals and cocktails costing even more.

Why prices differ across stadiums

Unlike previous FIFA World Cups, the 2026 tournament does not have a standardised food and beverage menu across all venues.

Instead, FIFA has allowed existing concession operators at each stadium to continue managing food services. As a result, pricing varies from one venue to another depending on the local operator.

According to The Athletic, companies that already cater for NFL and domestic football matches at each stadium have retained responsibility for food sales during the tournament, leading to noticeable differences in prices across the 16 host venues.

MetLife isn't the most expensive venue

Despite the premium pricing, MetLife Stadium is not considered the costliest venue for refreshments during the World Cup.

A comparison by The Athletic found that while beer prices sit around the middle of the range among the tournament's stadiums, bottled water and soft drinks are relatively cheaper than at several other host venues.

It can also be noted that only a handful of food and drink items, including water, soft drinks, chips and beer, are consistently available at every World Cup stadium, with the wider menu differing based on the venue.

For supporters attending Sunday's final, the variety of options means there's plenty to choose from, but keeping an eye on the menu could make a noticeable difference to the final bill.