During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, reports emerged from Morocco that some cafes raised prices for drinks and snacks during match times, citing increased demand and longer operating hours. However, no official statistics or government surveys have been published to confirm a widespread or systematic price increase across the country.
Consumer protection groups in Morocco, such as the Moroccan Association for Consumer Protection, have noted occasional complaints about price hikes during major sporting events, but they emphasize that such practices are not universal and often depend on individual cafe owners. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has not issued any specific regulations regarding pricing during the World Cup.
In 2026, with the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, similar concerns may arise in other countries, but no verified data exists yet for future events. The phenomenon appears to be localized and not a nationwide trend.