State and federal leaders in the Northeast are demanding that FIFA subsidize transportation costs for the 2026 World Cup following reports that train fares to stadiums could surge to over $100 per trip.
The backlash centers on the massive discrepancy between standard commuting costs and the projected tournament pricing.
In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill is leading the charge against the price hikes. According to The Athletic, train tickets from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium which normally cost $12.90 could top $100 during match days.
Sherrill highlighted a significant financial imbalance at an pproximately $48 million to transport 40,000 fans safely across eight matches.
A projected $11 billion windfall from the tournament, though FIFA currently contributes $0 toward local transportation infrastructure or operations.
"I won't stick N.J. commuters with that tab," Sherrill posted on X, insisting that FIFA should foot the bill rather than local taxpayers or fans.
The issue is not isolated to New Jersey. Similar concerns have emerged in Massachusetts, where the MBTA confirmed that return tickets from Boston to Gillette Stadium will cost $80, a 300% increase from the usual $20 fare. Bus rides to the venue are expected to reach $95.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have both slammed the proposed hikes. Schumer described the situation as "gouging at the turnstile," arguing that residents should not be forced to subsidize an $11 billion international event.
NJ Transit has characterized the $100 figure as "unconfirmed speculation," stating that final ticket prices have not been settled. However, the agency notably declined to deny the reported figures when pressed by media outlets.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the pressure is mounting on FIFA to renegotiate hosting agreements to ensure the event remains accessible without placing a multi-million dollar burden on local transit authorities.
