Football supporters from Scotland and England heading to World Cup matches in Boston will encounter a staggering increase in train ticket prices, with round-trip fares set to skyrocket to $80 (£60) for the journey to Boston Stadium at Foxborough.
Typically, a single ticket on this route costs $8.75 (£6.50), making the standard round trip $17.50 (£13). The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced the special pricing for the tournament, which represents more than a fourfold increase for fans traveling from central Boston's South Station.
"There will be a lot of second mortgages and costs being put on credit cards," said Paul Goodwin, co-founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association. "It's totally out of order. It's another huge disappointment and a reminder that the game is getting further away from its origins and the people who support it."
The stadium, located 22 miles outside Boston, will host seven World Cup matches, including a quarter-final. Scotland is scheduled to play Haiti on June 14 and Morocco on June 19 at the venue, while England will face Ghana there on June 23.
This transportation price hike follows widespread criticism over ticket costs for the 2026 tournament. Recent sales revealed FIFA charging up to $10,990 (£8,333) for final tickets, while official resale platforms have already listed vastly inflated prices for England and Scotland matches.
Limited and non-refundable rail tickets go on sale Wednesday at 16:00 BST. Even children under 11, who typically travel free on MBTA trains, will need to purchase tickets for World Cup match travel.
Driving presents little relief as an alternative, with parking at Boston Stadium starting at $175 (£132) per space.
The Football Supporters' Association expressed strong disappointment on social media, stating: "At what is normally a $20 return, we are incredibly disappointed that this has been allowed to happen. For a stadium so far away from its advertised location, all organizers had a duty to ensure supporters could get there sustainably and for a fair price."
MBTA officials have committed to operating 14 express services on matchdays between South Station and the stadium, with interim Secretary of Transportation Phillip Eng emphasizing their focus on "ensuring a balance" during the World Cup period.