New Jersey presses FIFA over World Cup 2026 train fares

World Cup 2026 transport costs are at the heart of a growing dispute. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill says Fifa should pay. She says commuters and taxpayers should not bear that burden. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Meanwhile, pressure has been mounting over transport pricing for the World Cup. The event is in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Also, The Athletic reports that train tickets from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium for World Cup games are topping $100. The usual fare is $12.90.

World Cup 2026 transport costs in New Jersey

In a social media post, Sherrill wrote: “I won’t stick N.J. commuters with that tab for years to come, that’s not fair,” Sherrill posted on social media. “FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don’t, I’m not going to let N.J. commuters be taken for one.”

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She also said: “We have inherited an agreement in which FIFA doesn’t contribute a single dollar toward transportation for the World Cup. And while NJ Transit is left with a $48 million bill to safely transport 40,000 fans from the stadium to wherever they’re headed, FIFA is generating $11 billion from this World Cup.

“I’m not going to burden New Jersey taxpayers with that bill for years.”

Separately, her comments add to the growing pressure on Fifa president Gianni Infantino. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) have also criticised the governing body, as Reuters reported.

FIFA transportation costs and host city pressure

Still, Hochul said: “The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible. Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me,” she said, adding that such high prices won’t be “happening on the MTA.”

In addition, Schumer pointed to the revenue Fifa is expected to generate from the tournament. “FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup,” he said, adding that NY residents were still being forced to foot the bill. “The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile,” he said. He also demanded that the apex soccer governing body cover “transportation costs for host cities and states” in the U.S. “New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall,” he said.

MetLife Stadium fares and wider fan concerns

At the same time, England fans have taken a swipe at “another rip-off at this World Cup.” Thomas Tuchel’s side are due to play in New Jersey against Panama in the group stage.

Separately, Free Lions, the Football Supporters’ Association’s Fans Embassy service, responded on social media: “We were initially told the prices would remain as standard, however this potential news comes as little surprise.

“Another day, another rip-off at this World Cup. What on earth is going on?”

For example, authorities in Boston confirmed plans to quadruple return fares from central Boston to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The increase would take the price to 80 dollars (£59). England are due to play Ghana there in their second group match. Scotland’s opening two games are also set to take place there.

Meanwhile, Euro 2024 ticket-holders received discounted public transport in Germany.

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