A top US lawmaker has called on FIFA to cover public transportation costs for the 2026 World Cup after reports emerged of massive fare hikes for fans traveling to match venues in New Jersey.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on X that football’s governing body — which is set to earn nearly $11 billion from the tournament — should foot the bill for transport to World Cup stadiums.
The Athletic reported that New Jersey Transit plans to charge fans over $100 for a round-trip ticket from Penn Station in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a journey that normally costs $12.90.
“FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill,” Schumer wrote. “The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states. New York commuters and residents should not subsidise an $11 billion windfall.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also criticized the reported price hike, saying:
“The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible. Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me.”
NJ Transit has said no final decision on World Cup ticket pricing has been made. A spokesperson told The Athletic:
“The ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalised, and any reference to cost would be unconfirmed speculation.”
The report cited sources saying that providing services for the eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the July 19 final, would cost around $48 million. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill assured residents that local taxpayers would not cover the costs:
“We are not going to be paying for moving the people who are viewing the World Cup on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and New Jersey commuters.”
Fare hikes for World Cup matches are not limited to New Jersey. In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirmed that return tickets from the city to Gillette Stadium will cost $80, up from the usual $20.
