Fifa is facing criticism over potential transport costs for fans attending the World Cup 2026. Train tickets to games at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey could reach over $100.
New Jersey Governor Blames FIFA for High Transport Costs
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has blamed Fifa for the high transport costs expected during the World Cup this summer. She argues that the world football’s governing body should subsidise transport for fans.
The Athletic reported that New Jersey Transit plans to implement special event pricing for the 30-minute train journey from Penn Station in New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A train ticket could cost more than $100, a seven-fold increase from the usual $12.90 return fare.
No concession prices are planned.
MetLife Stadium, which will be named New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup, is set to host eight matches, including an England group game, and the final on 19 July.
Sherrill stated that taxpayers and commuters should not bear the cost of transporting World Cup supporters to stadiums. She highlighted Fifa’s significant revenue from high ticket prices for the matches.
“We inherited an agreement where Fifa is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” the governor posted on X.
“And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48m bill to safely get fans to and from games, Fifa is making $11bn.
“I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come.
“Fifa should pay for the rides. But if they don’t – I’m not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.”
BBC Sport understands that NJ Transit will officially confirm pricing on Friday.
FIFA Responds to Criticism
A Fifa spokesperson said the governing body was “surprised” at Sherrill’s comments.
The spokesperson stated that supporters were expected to be able to travel “at cost”, and there was no increased pricing for other major events at the venue.
“The original Fifa World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches,” the spokesperson said.
“Recognising the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 Fifa adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All match ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to stadiums on match days.
“Moreover, Fifa has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.
“The Fifa World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with the related economic impact.
“Many of these fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled, including the Fifa
It comes after train fares for matches at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, were vastly increased to $80, with coach tickets costing $95.
Fifa stated that the Fifa World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with the related economic impact.