Key facts
- England's friendly match against New Zealand is expected to have 50,000 empty seats.
- Fans have criticized the event for alleged ticket price gouging.
- The match is a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup.
- The match is scheduled to take place in Tampa on June 6.
England's upcoming World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand in Tampa is facing criticism from fans due to significant ticket price gouging, which is expected to result in approximately 50,000 empty seats in the stadium. Instead of a celebratory launch in America, the match featuring Harry Kane's Three Lions will see large sections of the stadium remain vacant. This situation has led to fans branding the event a 'farce'. The match is intended as preparation for the 2026 World Cup.