Football supporters heading to the 2026 World Cup in the United States are facing exorbitant transportation costs, with a 30-minute train journey to New Jersey's MetLife Stadium priced at $150 (£111) per person—a more than elevenfold increase over the usual fare.
The Football Supporters' Association has condemned the pricing, accusing organizers of "fleecing" and "gouging" fans. The trip from Manhattan's Penn Station to the stadium, which covers about 18 miles, typically costs $12.90 (£9.50) for a round trip. There are no discounted rates for children or seniors, and shuttle bus alternatives are set at $80 (£59). All tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
"The price is obviously astronomical in terms of what you would expect to pay going to a match, going to a tournament," said Thomas Concannon, who leads the FSA's England fans' group. "This is completely out of the norm from previous tournaments. You're supposed to be welcoming fans from around the world. And I think at this stage, fans couldn't feel less welcome."
MetLife Stadium, renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium for the tournament under FIFA's sponsorship policies, will host eight matches, including an England group game and the final on July 19. This follows similar controversies in other host cities, such as Boston, where train fares to Gillette Stadium were raised to $80 (£59).
Travel was free at the previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar, and the U.S. had initially committed to offering the same benefit in its host agreement with FIFA. However, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill recently criticized FIFA for not providing funding, stating she would not "stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come." FIFA responded that it had acknowledged the financial strain on host cities and suggested transportation should be offered "at cost."
The steep travel expenses come on top of already high ticket prices for matches, further straining budgets for fans traveling internationally for the event.