World Cup: Fans will pay 32% more for products, research shows

The 2026 World Cup should be huge not only because of the number of participants, but also because of the weight on consumers' pockets. According to a survey by Rico, the basket of items traditionally consumed during the games was 32.5% more expensive, compared to the 2022 World Cup.

The value is even above the accumulated Brazilian inflation over the last 4 years. The IPCA (Broad Consumer Price Index) recorded an accumulated increase of 21.0% in the period.

For Brazilian fans, the item that will weigh the most on their pockets is chocolate bars and bonbons, which saw a 66.6% increase in prices. According to the study, this movement was driven by the global cocoa crisis, as commodity prices reached almost US$10,000 in 2024.

The next villain on the list is ice cream, which became almost 45% more expensive during the period. Next are alcoholic beverages, juices, soft drinks and water, impacted by the increase in inputs, such as sugar and packaging, in addition to climate barriers on agricultural chains.

Beer, widely consumed during football games, has seen a 27.5% increase in price since the last World Cup, according to the survey.

On the other hand, fans who enjoy a barbecue during games may feel less pressure this year. Meat was the one that increased the least, totaling an increase of just 12.9%.

Rico's research analyst, Maria Giulia Figueiredo, assessed that "the fan who goes to the supermarket to prepare the game table notices a significant increase in the prices of products most associated with collective consumption and leisure moments during the World Cup".

World Cup 26: 51% of Brazilians intend to spend more on food and drink

Source: CNN