‘Scandalous’ drink prices at England’s World Cup warm-up game shock fans
England’s 1-0 win over New Zealand on Saturday may not live long in the memory, but the drink prices at Raymond James Stadium might.
Harry Kane scored the only goal of the game in Tampa, Florida as the Three Lions eased through some World Cup preparation.
Thomas Tuchel changed the entire team at half-time and also handed Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha an international debut, despite him not being in the World Cup squad.
It was something of a training exercise for the England team, ahead of another friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday and then their World Cup campaign getting underway on June 17 against Croatia.
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The game was played at the home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although Raymond James Stadium was far from full for the low-key friendly.
The attendance was clocked at 25,889, with the arena capable of holding up to 75,000 people.
Those who did attend may well have wanted some refreshment in the Florida heat, but the drinks do not come cheap at the Raymond James Stadium.
The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan posted a photo of one bar at the ground, which was selling a premium beer for $18 (£13.45) and a domestic beer for $16.75 (£12.50).
An ‘ultra premium double cocktail’ sounds fun, but would set you back $26.50 (£19.80).
PA’s Simon Peach posted a picture from a different bar, where the cheapest thing on offer was a water for $7.50 (£5.60).
The prices were labelled ‘scandalous’ and ‘insane’ on social media, while others pointed out that a tip would be expected on top of the cost of the drinks.
There was some controversy earlier this week when it was reported that FIFA had banned fans taking their own water into World Cup matches.
However, it has since been clarified that disposable bottles are allowed, it is only hard, resueable ones that are not.
‘Each spectator can bring with them one 20 ounce (560ml) soft, plastic disposable factory-sealed water bottle into the stadium,’ said World Cup 2026 chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi.
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‘What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.’
The pitch in Tampa was not well reviewed, with Tuchel saying it was uneven and tricky to perform well on.
‘It was very difficult to play on,’ the England boss said. ‘I think it was not dangerous to have injuries. We have no injuries and there were no concerns but it was very uneven, very uneven. It was difficult to move the ball and move the ball quickly. When you have the ball for the majority of the match, it doesn’t help you.
‘It is what it is. It can happen. I know it from preseason tours overseas that you can play in stadiums that are not normally football stadiums, that the pitch is maybe too new and not fully grown and fully even.’
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Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/06/07/scandalous-drink-prices-england-vs-new-zealand-friendly-shock-fans-28681746/