World Cup stadium’s extortionate food and drinks branded ‘price gouging at its finest’ by furious fans
Hydration breaks have been a controversial topic at the World Cup.
But while players have ample time to take on water, those watching from the stands might choose to stay thirsty.
The 2026 tournament, which is taking place across the US, Canada and Mexico, has faced plenty of criticism over high ticket prices that threaten to ‘price out’ many.
And for those who do get into the stadiums, the cost of food and drink makes for grim reading too.
Food prices in World Cup stadiums spark online fury
Rutgers Athletics beat reporter Brian Fonseca was at New York/New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) for Brazil’s opening World Cup game against Morocco on Saturday.
He shared an image of one concession stand inside the building, and left many of his followers stunned.
The cheapest alcoholic drink on offer was ‘American beer’ priced at $16, while hard seltzer and canned cocktails were on sale for a ridiculous $19.
Soft drinks range from $5 bottled water to what’s described as a $7 ‘sports drink’.
When it comes to food, the cheapest offering in New York is clam strips for $6, with hot dogs, pretzels and French fries more expensive.
Hungry fans can pick up a combo meal, which features four chicken tenders, fries and Coca-Cola (a FIFA-approved sponsor) for $19.
Prices at the USMNT’s opener in Los Angeles were even more expensive.
An image shared from Friday’s game showed a meatball sub for $24 and a ‘matchday pizza’ for $20. Even some of the beer had a slight mark up, with select craft and import products on sale for $22.75.
It’s fair to say the cost of food and drink at this summer’s World Cup hasn’t gone down well.
“Going to sporting events in the US is no longer worth it even if you can afford it because you’re treated as a sucker,” one fan wrote on X.
“$5.25 for a f****** water and they don’t let you bring your own in. They probably don’t have water fountains either,” a second raged.
“Nearby food trucks better exploit this with discounts, especially after the game,” a third responded.
“I want to meet the brave soul who gets the clam strips,” a fourth said, having seen the New York menu.
“Price gouging at its finest,” a fifth concluded.
It’s not just fans who will need to cough up, either.
Reporter pays extortionate price for World Cup meal
ESPN Africa reporter Ed Dove revealed in a social media video that he paid ‘north of $50’ for a very basic meal ahead of Brazil vs Morocco.
He picked up a Chicken Francese meal, a Tabbouleh salad, a croissant and a bottle of water for $52.98.
“I was admittedly very hungry, but I didn’t ask the price before I purchased. I was a little bit embarrassed to go back in the queue and give it back, so I went for it,” Dove explained.
His colleague, Osasu Obayiuwana, described the prices as ‘daylight and night-time robbery’ in a clip that has been seen nearly 300,000 times and drawn significant backlash.
“Any journo buying food at the MetLife Stadium during this World Cup should be ready to be taken for a mug,” Obayiuwana added.
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