New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called on FIFA to step in and subsidise transport costs for fans attending the 2026 World Cup, after reports revealed ticket prices for a short train journey could rise more than seven-fold.
According to plans by New Jersey Transit, supporters travelling the 30-minute route from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium could be charged over $100 for a return trip — up from the usual $12.90. No concession fares are expected, meaning children and seniors will also pay full price.
MetLife Stadium, set to host eight matches including the final on 19 July, is not alone. In Foxborough, Massachusetts, transport costs are also surging, with train fares reaching $80 and coach tickets up to $95.
Governor Sherrill criticised the arrangement, arguing that local taxpayers should not shoulder the burden while FIFA is projected to generate around $11 billion from the tournament.
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“We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation,” she said. “I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the rides.”
FIFA, however, pushed back, saying it was “surprised” by the remarks. A spokesperson explained that while initial host agreements in 2018 required free transport for fans, those terms were revised in 2023 to allow travel “at cost” due to financial pressures on host cities.
The governing body also noted it had supported host regions in securing federal funding and argued that event organisers are not typically required to pay for fan transportation.
The rising costs are expected to impact thousands of international supporters, including England and Scotland fans, who will travel between venues in New Jersey and Boston during the tournament.
With parking fees also reaching as high as $225 at MetLife Stadium, concerns are growing that attending the World Cup could become significantly more expensive for fans — both on and off the pitch.
