New Jersey announces $150 transit tickets to reach the World Cup

To accommodate the 2026 World Cup matches held at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey officials announced a significant increase in transit fares. The special World Cup transit tickets, facilitating travel between New York and the stadium in New Jersey, will cost $150 per ticket. This price hike is specifically for transportation to and from the World Cup games. The increased fare aims to manage the anticipated high demand for transportation during the international sporting event. The announcement clarifies the cost for individuals planning to utilize public transit to attend the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.

For the 2026 World Cup matches held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, round-trip train fares from Manhattan's Penn Station will increase to $150. This nearly 12-fold increase from the regular $12.90 fare is intended to cover the $62 million cost of transporting fans to and from the stadium, as on-site parking will be limited. New Jersey officials expect approximately 40,000 fans to utilize mass transit for each match. The stadium is set to host eight matches, including the final on July 19, with group-stage matches beginning June 13. Similar transit fare increases are also planned for World Cup matches near Boston, with express bus tickets costing $95 and round-trip train tickets from Boston selling for $80.

Football fans are expressing outrage over significantly increased transit prices in the United States for the 2026 World Cup. Transit authorities in New Jersey and Massachusetts are planning to charge exorbitant fares for train tickets to stadiums hosting matches, with some routes costing several times their normal price. For example, a round trip from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey could cost over $100, compared to the usual $12.90. Fan groups from France and England have criticized FIFA for prioritizing profit over affordability for loyal supporters. A New Jersey governor blamed FIFA for the price hikes, citing security costs.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is criticizing FIFA over potential high transportation costs for the 2026 World Cup games hosted at MetLife Stadium. Reports indicate a round-trip train ticket from New York's Penn Station could cost over $100, significantly higher than the usual $12.90. Sherrill states that FIFA is providing no funding for transportation, leaving New Jersey Transit with a $48 million expense to transport fans. She argues that FIFA, projected to make $11 billion from the World Cup, should cover these costs instead of burdening New Jersey commuters. FIFA responded, stating that the original agreement for free transportation was adjusted in 2023 to allow ticket holders to access transport at cost, and that they have advocated for federal funding to support transportation.