FIFA Must Fund World Cup Transportation, US Senator Insists
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has called on FIFA to cover public transportation costs for the 2026 World Cup, following revelations that New Jersey Transit plans to charge fans over $100 for train tickets from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium during the tournament.
Schumer, a Democrat, made the demand on Tuesday via X, arguing that football’s world governing body—projected to earn $11 billion from the tournament—should not leave American commuters and residents to bear the financial burden.
“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.”
The Athletic reported on Tuesday that New Jersey Transit is considering charging more than $100 for round-trip tickets from Penn Station in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium during the tournament. The same journey currently costs $12.90 for a return ticket.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also criticised the proposed fare increase. “The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible,” Hochul stated on X. “Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me.”
NJ Transit, responding to the report, said no final decision had been reached. A spokesperson told The Athletic that “the ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalised, and any reference to cost would be unconfirmed speculation.” The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Agence France-Presse.
The Athletic report, citing NJ Transit sources, indicated that the cost of providing transportation services for the eight matches scheduled at MetLife Stadium—including the final on July 19—would amount to approximately $48 million.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has pledged that state taxpayers will not absorb the transportation 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,” Sherrill said on Monday.
The fare dispute extends beyond New Jersey. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirmed earlier this month that round-trip tickets from Boston to Gillette Stadium during the World Cup will cost $80, a significant increase from the standard $20 fare.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament features 48 teams. MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is scheduled to host eight matches, culminating in the final on July 19, 2026.