Sports, April 19: Football supporters travelling to matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States could face transport expenses comparable to ticket prices, with steep fare increases drawing criticism, particularly in New Jersey.
A round-trip train journey from New York City’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium is expected to cost around USD 150 per match, a sharp rise from the usual USD 12.90 for the 15-minute trip. Officials confirmed the pricing, noting that most of the estimated 40,000 spectators per game will rely on public transport due to limited on-site parking. MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches, including the final on July 19, with high-profile fixtures featuring teams such as Brazil, France, Germany and England.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill defended the pricing decision, stating that it was intended to prevent long-term financial burdens on local commuters. Kris Kolluri, head of NJ Transit, said the agency was attempting to recover costs estimated at USD 62 million, rejecting claims of profiteering.
However, the pricing strategy has drawn sharp criticism. New York Governor Kathy Hochul described the fares as excessively high for such a short journey. FIFA has also expressed concern, pointing to earlier host-city agreements that included provisions for free fan transport—commitments that state authorities argue lacked sufficient funding.
Alternative options offer limited relief, with parking at nearby American Dream Mall priced at USD 225 and quickly reaching capacity.
Similar pricing patterns have emerged in other host cities. In Boston, express bus fares to Gillette Stadium are set at USD 95, while round-trip train tickets cost around USD 80, both significantly higher than standard rates. In contrast, cities such as Los Angeles and Philadelphia have maintained regular fares, supported by federal infrastructure funding, while Kansas City and Houston have introduced low-cost shuttle services.
The tournament, expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, is set to begin on June 11 in Mexico City and will be held across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, culminating with the final at MetLife Stadium.
