Why Australian Footballers Love Coffee at the World Cup

When the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked off in Brazil, teams from around the globe submitted detailed — and sometimes bizarre — accommodation requests. While many focused on logistics, one nation stood out not for luxury, but for a clear daily ritual: Australia’s football squad asked for just four things in their hotel rooms. Three were straightforward — easily digestible Brazilian chicken, fish, and meat. The fourth? A coffee machine. For four players.

The short answer? Australia ranked as the world’s top coffee-loving nation, ahead of Italy and France. Over 90% of the coffee Australians drink is flavoured, with 75% including milk and 65% with sugar. And yes, they wanted their brew while in Brazil — the heart of global coffee production.

Australia’s Surprising Coffee Request at the World Cup

As teams prepared for the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil, various national squads submitted unique demands to their host hotels. British media outlet The Independent reported that Brazil’s hospitality sector struggled to accommodate the wide array of requests. Australia’s team kept theirs simple: they asked for digestible proteins — chicken, fish, and beef — and, notably, coffee machines for four of their players. This highlighted both their focus on nutrition and their dedication to their coffee routine, even while abroad.

Why Australians Are the World’s Top Coffee Drinkers

According to data from the World Coffee Association, Australians topped the list of the world’s most enthusiastic coffee consumers — not the Italians or the French, as many assume. This reputation isn’t new. Australian coffee culture, especially in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, has long prioritised quality brewing, especially espresso-based drinks. Their preference isn’t for black coffee alone — it’s for flavour, texture, and customisation.

What Kind of Coffee Do Australians Actually Drink?

In Australia, flavoured coffee is king:

• Over 90% of coffee consumed is flavoured in some way.
• More than 75% of all coffee includes milk.
• 65% has sugar added.
• The most popular styles are latte and cappuccino.

Regional tastes vary: Melburnians tend to prefer lattes, while those in outer suburbs lean toward cappuccinos. Mocha also maintains a solid following. Whether in city cafes or at home, Australians take their coffee seriously — and they wanted that experience in Brazil too.

Brazil: The Coffee Heartland of the World Cup

Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, supplying roughly 60% of the global coffee export market. For Australian players, being in Brazil meant being in the epicentre of coffee cultivation. The country’s diverse regions produce everything from chocolatey Brazilians to fruity, complex microlots. While the team didn’t specify Brazilian beans, their request for coffee machines suggests they weren’t planning to drink instant.

The Role of Coffee Culture in Team Performance

Coffee isn’t just a beverage for Australians — it’s a social ritual, a morning ritual, and for athletes, often a moment of focus. While the exact impact of coffee on athletic performance varies, the psychological comfort of a familiar routine — especially in a high-pressure environment like the World Cup — can’t be overlooked. Having a coffee machine in the room meant consistency, control, and a taste of home.

Where Did Australia’s Coffee Obsession Come From?

Australia’s love affair with coffee began in the early 20th century, heavily influenced by Italian immigrants who brought espresso culture to cities like Melbourne. Over time, Australians developed a distinct preference for milk-based espresso drinks, perfected over decades in local cafes. This cultural foundation explains why coffee — not just any coffee, but the right kind — is a non-negotiable part of daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Australian World Cup team really ask for coffee machines?

Yes. According to a 2014 report by The Independent, the Australian national football team requested coffee machines in their hotel rooms for four players during the Brazil World Cup, alongside easily digestible meats like chicken, fish, and beef.

What kind of coffee do Australians drink most?

Australians predominantly drink flavoured coffee — over 90% of their coffee intake includes some form of flavouring. More than 75% of all coffee is consumed with milk, and 65% includes sugar. The most popular styles are latte and cappuccino.

Why did Australian players want coffee in Brazil?

Beyond the caffeine, coffee is a key part of Australian daily life and culture. Having a coffee machine ensured the players could enjoy their preferred style — likely a milk-based espresso drink — in a familiar way, offering comfort and routine during the tournament.

Is Brazil really the biggest coffee producer?

Yes. Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of coffee, responsible for approximately 60% of the global coffee supply. Its diverse regions produce a wide range of flavours, making it a coffee lover’s destination.

Are Australians really the biggest coffee drinkers in the world?

Yes. According to the World Coffee Association, Australians rank as the nation with the highest per capita consumption of flavoured and milk-based coffee, surpassing traditional coffee cultures like Italy and France.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Coffee Lovers

If you’re exploring the rich flavours behind Australia’s coffee obsession, start with FrontStreet’s Brazil Queen Manor — a yellow bourbon coffee with intense sweetness, creamy body, and notes of peanut and caramel from sun-dried processing. For something more classic, try the Brazil Serra do Salitre (aka Brazil Shiladite), a smooth red bourbon with mild acidity and notes of milk chocolate and nuts. Both showcase the Brazilian profiles that helped define global coffee culture. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.