World Cup Transport Costs Spike in New Jersey as FIFA Refuses to Subsidize Fan Travel

Fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in the New York metropolitan area are facing a steep increase in public transportation costs, with round-trip train fares from New York City to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, jumping from the usual $12.90 to $150 during the tournament.

The surge, confirmed by NJ Transit officials, represents a more than tenfold increase and has drawn sharp criticism from fan groups and local politicians who argue the pricing strategy undermines the spirit of the global tournament.

According to Kris Kolluri, CEO of NJ Transit, the agency expects to spend approximately $62 million to manage fan transportation during the World Cup, with only $14 million covered by federal and state subsidies. The remainder, he said, must be recovered from riders.

“This is not price gouging. We are literally trying to cover our costs,” Kolluri stated in a press briefing, emphasizing that the agency anticipates around 40,000 fans using rail service for each match held at the stadium.

MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, will host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19, 2026. Germany’s national team is scheduled to play its third group-stage match there against Ecuador on June 25, while England faces Panama on June 27.

The pricing decision has prompted New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to publicly urge FIFA to assume responsibility for fan transport costs, warning that otherwise, local taxpayers would effectively subsidize international visitors.

“If FIFA does not step in, we will not ask New Jersey residents who rely on NJ Transit for daily commutes to bear the burden of transporting World Cup ticket holders,” Sherrill said in a statement released through her office.

FIFA responded by rejecting the request, stating in a written communication that no prior host nation has been expected to cover local transportation expenses for spectators, and characterizing the fare adjustments as “arbitrarily set” by regional transit authorities.

The world governing body added that such pricing could drive fans toward less reliable alternatives, increasing the risk of traffic congestion and delayed arrivals at venues.

Concerns were echoed by Thomas Concannon of the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), who representing English fans, said the high costs contradict the inclusive nature of the tournament.

“Fans from around the world should perceive welcomed, not priced out,” Concannon remarked. “Right now, many may feel anything but welcome.”

The situation in New Jersey contrasts with other U.S. Host cities, where most transit agencies have maintained standard fares. However, in Boston, MBTA confirmed that fares for travel to Gillette Stadium will increase fourfold during the tournament, though specific pricing details remain pending.

Archysport attempted to verify the exact fare multipliers and subsidy figures through official channels. NJ Transit confirmed the $150 round-trip fare for special event service during the World Cup via its customer service department, while declining to release the detailed cost breakdown cited by Kolluri. FIFA’s media relations team provided a general statement on transport cost responsibilities but did not address the specific allegations of “arbitrary” pricing.

For fans attending matches, the lack of affordable public transit options presents a significant logistical challenge. Parking near MetLife Stadium is extremely limited on match days, and official shuttle services from designated lots have not yet been priced or scheduled for release.

As the tournament approaches, transportation planners in the New Jersey–New York region continue to coordinate with FIFA and local authorities, though no revisions to the current fare structure have been announced.

The next official update on World Cup fan services in the region is expected from NJ Transit ahead of the opening match schedule release in early 2026.

What do you think about the rising costs of attending the World Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and pass this along to fellow fans who might be planning their trip.