Key Takeaways
- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill says FIFA must cover transport costs for World Cup fans.
- Train fares from New York to MetLife Stadium could rise to over $100, seven times the normal price.
- FIFA claims fans should pay ‘at cost’ and denies responsibility for transport funding.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has hit out at FIFA for failing to fund transport for the 2026 World Cup, warning that fans face train fares of more than $100 for a 30-minute ride from New York to MetLife Stadium.
The usual return ticket on New Jersey Transit costs $12.90, but special event pricing could push the fare above $100, with no discounts for children or seniors, according to The Athletic.
MetLife Stadium, which will be renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium during the tournament under FIFA rules, is set to host eight matches, including the final on 19 July.
Governor Sherrill said local taxpayers should not foot the $48 million transport bill while FIFA earns an estimated $11 billion from the event. “FIFA should pay for the rides,” she wrote on social media. “If they don’t, I won’t let New Jersey get taken for a ride.”
Similar anger erupted in Foxborough, near Boston, where train fares to Gillette Stadium have jumped to $80 and coach tickets to $95.
FIFA responded that it changed host-city rules in 2023, requiring only that ticket holders travel “at cost”. A spokesperson said the body has helped cities secure federal transport grants and noted that no previous events at the venue had covered fan travel.
England and Scotland supporters will feel the pinch. England meet Panama at MetLife on 27 June, while Scotland play twice in Foxborough. Parking is also steep: $225 at MetLife and $175 at Gillette.