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It has been well reported in the build-up to the World Cup just how little regard FIFA have for football supporters, and the bad PR continues for Gianni Infantino and co as the tournament moves towards its second week.
On Saturday night, Brazil faced Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and a couple of reporters, one of whom is North Star Network's Head of Media, Ed Dove, have gone viral for their reactions to the price of food inside the stadium ahead of kick-off.
Food prices at the World Cup described as ‘daylight and nighttime robbery'
In the video, ESPN's Osasu Obayiuwana is seen asking Dove about the meal he had just purchased from inside the press area at MetLife Stadium. Dove had ordered a salad, a bottle of water, a croissant, and a heat-and-eat meal. Dove replied:
“Well, it cost north of $50; I think it was $52.98. I was admittedly very hungry, but I didn't ask the price before I purchased, and I was a little bit embarrassed to go back into the queue and give it back, so I went for it.
“The croissant does look quite delicious, though; it better be the best croissant I've ever eaten in my life.”
Any journo buying food at the @MetLifeStadium, during this @FIFAWorldCup, should be ready to be taken for a mug. @EddyDove of @ESPNAfrica just went to get a meal. I’ll leave him to tell you how much he paid for it… pic.twitter.com/j2I8F2uZfl
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) June 13, 2026
Jumping in, Obayiuwana was flabbergasted at the prices, labelling $53 as ‘daylight and nighttime robbery'.
Was the food at least nice? Well, in a follow-up review, Dove wasn't overly complimentary about it. He said:
“It wasn't very nice, if I'm being honest, it wasn't the most delicious meal. The chicken was very watery, but I did keep the croissant for later, so maybe I'll be having the last laugh. I'll certainly be thinking twice about stadium meals going forward.”
FGG says: Can FIFA get anything right?
While the tournament is being lit up by some of the best players on the planet, off-pitch issues continue to dampen the mood in North America. It's almost as if FIFA are going out of their way to make the sport inaccessible to working fans, and there is no indication that they will change this approach moving forward.