Fifa blamed for $100 World Cup trains from New York
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has accused FIFA of failing to support the cost of transportation for fans attending matches in the region. The MetLife Stadium, which will host eight games including the final on 19 July, is set to see significant price hikes for travel to the venue. Reports indicate that NJ Transit plans to introduce event-specific rates for the 30-minute journey from Penn Station to the stadium, potentially raising the cost of a return ticket to over $100—a stark contrast to the typical $12.90 fare.
Sherrill highlighted that the current pricing model leaves no room for concessions, forcing children and seniors to pay the same as adults. The stadium, renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium under FIFA’s corporate sponsorship policy, will also host an England group game. This comes amid similar fare increases in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where matches at Gillette Stadium have seen prices jump to $80 for a single journey, with coach tickets reaching $95.
“We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” Sherrill stated on X. “NJ TRANSIT now faces a $48m bill to transport fans, while FIFA earns $11bn. I won’t let New Jersey commuters shoulder this cost indefinitely. FIFA should cover the rides, or I’ll ensure they don’t profit from it.”
FIFA responded by stating they were “surprised” at the governor’s criticism. A spokesperson noted that the 2026 Host City Agreements required free transport for all matches, but adjustments in 2023 allowed fans to travel “at cost.” The policy, they added, applies to all host cities, including New York/New Jersey. FIFA also emphasized their efforts to secure federal funding for transportation infrastructure and the economic benefits of the tournament, which is expected to attract millions of visitors.
The pricing changes will particularly affect England and Scotland fans. Scotland’s Three Lions will play against Haiti and Morocco in Foxborough, while England faces Ghana on 23 June and Panama on 27 June. Meanwhile, parking costs at stadiums remain steep, with MetLife Stadium charging $225 for a space and Foxborough’s venue priced at $175. BBC Sport will provide updates as NJ Transit officially announces the new rates on Friday.
