Three Lions fans traveling to the United States for England’s highly anticipated World Cup opener against Croatia are facing a brutal reality check before a ball is even kicked. It is not the opposition tactics or the scorching Texas heat causing anxiety, but rather the eye-watering cost of a matchday pint at the glitzy AT&T Stadium in Arlington, near Dallas.

Soccer enthusiasts planning to soak up the atmosphere with a cold beverage have reacted with absolute fury after stadium concessions revealed that imported beers—such as Stella Artois—will command a staggering price tag of up to $16.95 (£12.62) each. Those opting for domestic options like Budweiser or Michelob Ultra will find little relief, with prices locked in at $15.95 (£11.88) per serving.

However, the financial pain does not stop at the base price. Supporter anger boiled over into outright outrage as British fans realized a deceptive mathematical twist: American venues serve a US pint, which measures just 16 ounces (473ml). Compared to the traditional British Imperial pint of 20 ounces (591ml), traveling fans will be paying premium prices for a drink that is a whopping 17 percent smaller than what they are served back in their local UK boozers.

For those wealthy enough to afford premium seating, the cost of a drink skyrockets even further. In line with American hospitality customs, fans receiving seat-delivery service are expected to tack on a mandatory 20 percent tip. This brings the grand total of a single, downsized imported beer to well over £15—nearly three times the average cost of a pint in a standard English pub.

The stadium, famed as the high-tech home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, has drawn sharp criticism from fans who feel they are being actively exploited. “No wonder they call them the Dallas Cowboys!” joked John Edwards, 38, a traveling fan from Stafford, playing on the historic “wild west robber” stereotype of the stadium’s resident team.

Other fans were far less amused by the corporate greed. Simon Harris, 67, from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, slammed the venue’s strategy. “The beer prices are ridiculous, but it’s no surprise in this rip-off World Cup,” he lamented.

The rampant inflation extends across the entire stadium menu, ensuring that a simple family meal at the match could rival a fine-dining bill. A standard hot dog is priced at $8.95 (£6.66), while a basic burger will set fans back another $16.95 (£12.62). Even those choosing to stay sober will find no financial sanctuary; a basic 473ml bottle of water costs an astonishing £6.14.

As international backlash intensifies, football’s global governing body has quickly moved to wash its hands of the controversy. FIFA issued a brief statement clarifying that they played absolutely no part in setting the concession prices, leaving the blame squarely on local stadium operators. With thousands of thirsty Brits preparing to descend on Texas this June, many are now left wondering if they will have to choose between cheering on their country or protecting their life savings.