World Cup travel costs spark debate as train fares set to surge in New Jersey | OneFootball

Train fares are set to dramatically increase for fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in New Jersey, according to The Athletic.

However, those plans have triggered strong reactions from politicians and raised concerns about how fans will be able to afford the astronomical fees.

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is reportedly considering charging more than $100 for a return train ticket between New York’s Pennsylvania Station and MetLife Stadium.

The 18-mile journey currently costs just $12.90 for a return trip. If approved, the new pricing would represent a more than sevenfold increase in train fares for World Cup fans.

This comes after a formal complaint was filed against FIFA over excessive World Cup ticket prices.

The MetLife Stadium is set to host up to eight World Cup matches, including five group stage games, a round of 32, a round of 16, and the final on July 19.

However, fans planning to attend these games face the prospect of spending a fortune on transportation, sparking outrage.

Unlike regular services that offer discounts to children, seniors, and passengers with disabilities, the new prices are expected to be a flat rate for all travellers. 

The decision is yet to be rubber-stamped, and NJ Transit has dismissed current reports as speculation.

However, officials have made it clear that regular commuters will not be expected to cover the additional costs linked to hosting the tournament.

United States Senator Chuck Schumer criticised the situation, accusing FIFA of a ‘shakedown’ and placing an unfair financial burden on local authorities. 

“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,” said Schumer.

“That is not a partnership – that is a shakedown because World Cup tickets already cost fans a fortune. I am calling on FIFA to step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states.”

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul also described the potential fare as ‘awfully high’, while newly elected New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill vowed to reduce World Cup costs on taxpayers.

“I wanted to make sure that 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,” he said. 

“And so we worked together closely to make sure that that cost will not be borne by New Jerseyans.”