News Focus
- Joshua Kimmich and the Germany squad will fund free buses for 600 supporters travelling to the final group match
- Fans face steep travel costs between New York and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey
- Train fares have risen from $12.90 to $98 for the tournament period
- The players stepped in after organisers scrapped free transport offered at recent World Cups
Joshua Kimmich and his Germany teammates have moved to help supporters struggling with high travel costs at the World Cup. The players will pay for coaches to transport 600 fans from New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey for their final Group E clash against Ecuador on June 25th.
Transport prices have jumped sharply for the tournament. Train tickets from central New York to the stadium normally cost $12.90 (£9.50). During the competition, these fares rose to $150 before dropping to $98. Shuttle bus prices have also fallen from $80 to $20.
The German Football Association confirmed the initiative. “Captain Joshua Kimmich and his team-mates are covering the cost of buses to take supporters from New York to the arena in New Jersey,” the association said.
The gesture comes after criticism of transport pricing. The New Jersey governor has stated that FIFA refused to subsidise travel costs. This marks a change from the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar, where fans enjoyed free transport to matches and fan zones.
The United States originally promised free travel when it secured hosting rights. However, a 2023 update to the agreement means supporters must now pay the full cost price for journeys.