US officials push FIFA to cover World Cup transport costs

Pressure is building on FIFA to address rising transport costs for the 2026 World Cup, as US officials question why fans — and local taxpayers — are being asked to absorb the expense.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is the latest to speak out, following reports that match-day train fares to MetLife Stadium could exceed $100 each way. The route from New York’s Penn Station typically costs $12.90, highlighting the scale of the proposed increase.

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

The pricing has not been officially confirmed, but The Athletic reported that neither Sherrill’s office, the local host committee nor NJ Transit denied the figure.

Sherrill framed the issue as a gap in the original hosting arrangement. “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 $48m bill to safely transport 40,000 fans from the stadium to wherever they’re headed, FIFA is generating $11b from this World Cup.

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

The criticism echoes earlier remarks from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who also called on FIFA to step in.

“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 said.

“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 subsidize an $11 billion windfall.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul raised similar concerns, focusing on affordability. “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 wrote.

The issue is not limited to New Jersey. In Massachusetts, return train tickets from Boston to Foxborough are expected to cost $80, while bus fares could reach $95, pointing to a broader pattern across host cities.

FIFA has responded by pointing to changes in its agreements with host cities. A spokesperson said earlier plans required free transport for fans, but those terms were revised in 2023.

“We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach today on fan transportation. The original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches. Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days.”