/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballgroundguide.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F06%2Fimago1078325254.jpg)
England supporters attending their 2026 World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand have been left stunned by the cost of food and drink inside Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Raymond James Stadium.
With the tournament now just days away, many fans fear the prices seen in Tampa could offer an early glimpse of what awaits supporters across the tournament in the United States.
England fans shocked by prices for World Cup warm-up friendly
Three Lions fans attending the 1-0 victory over New Zealand were met with eye-watering refreshment prices inside Raymond James Stadium.
Images shared on social media showed premium beers being sold for $18 (£13.45), while domestic beers were priced at $16.75 (£12.50). Even bottled water came in at $7.50 (£5.60).
The prices quickly sparked criticism online, with fans describing them as “insane” and “scandalous”, while others joked that the World Cup could become a much more sober experience than previous tournaments.
The reaction comes amid growing concerns over the overall cost of attending the 2026 World Cup, with supporters already facing expensive match tickets, accommodation costs and transportation charges in several host cities.
It also follows recent debate surrounding FIFA's stadium policies on water bottles, adding further scrutiny to the overall matchday experience fans can expect this summer.
FGG says: Tampa is a warning sign for what's coming next
If supporters were hoping the World Cup would offer a more affordable experience once they got inside the stadium, the prices seen in Tampa suggest otherwise.
Of course, stadium food and drink have never been cheap, particularly in the United States, but paying more than £13 for a beer and over £5 for a bottle of water is enough to make even seasoned football travellers wince.
The bigger concern is that these prices may not be unique to Tampa – with FIFA already facing criticism over ticket prices, transport costs and accommodation expenses, many supporters will be watching closely to see whether similar pricing appears across World Cup host venues.
That said, fans heading to North America shouldn't panic just yet. Plenty of host cities still offer relatively affordable options away from stadiums, something highlighted in our guide to the cheapest pints across the 2026 World Cup host cities.
But for anyone planning to spend an entire matchday inside the ground, it might be worth budgeting a little extra.