Fans attending upcoming FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium will face sharply increased transportation costs, with round-trip train fares set at $150, more than ten times the usual price, triggering widespread criticism from officials and supporters.
The 36-mile journey between New York City and the stadium in New Jersey, which typically costs around $12.90, will see limited availability, with approximately 40,000 train tickets allocated for eight matches, including the final.
Kris Kolluri, president and CEO of NJ Transit, confirmed the pricing, stating that the fare would apply to round trips between New York and the stadium.
Driving to the venue is also expected to be costly, with limited parking spaces priced at up to $225. Priority parking will be reserved for fans with disabilities at the stadium, while additional spaces will be available at a nearby mall.
The pricing decision has sparked public outrage. Local residents and fan groups described the fares as excessive, with some calling them exploitative.
The controversy has also led to a dispute between local authorities and FIFA over responsibility for transportation costs.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill defended the pricing, stating that FIFA had not contributed financially to fan transport and that existing agreements required transit authorities to handle significantly increased passenger volumes. She added that the arrangement could cost NJ Transit at least $48 million, while FIFA is expected to generate billions in revenue from the tournament.
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also urged FIFA to cover transportation expenses, echoing concerns over the financial burden placed on local agencies.
In response, FIFA criticised the fare increase as “unprecedented,” with its chief operating officer Heimo Schirgi rejecting claims that the organisation should absorb such costs. FIFA maintained that it operates as a not-for-profit body and clarified that its projected $11 billion revenue does not equate to profit.
The organisation also noted that original host agreements included provisions for free transport for match-going fans, similar to arrangements during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where metro services were free on match days. However, revised terms now require transportation to be provided “at cost.”
Fan groups internationally have reacted strongly. A French supporters’ organisation labelled the pricing “completely insane,” while the Football Supporters’ Association in England said fans were being “fleeced” by rising costs linked to the tournament.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also criticised the fare hike, describing it as excessively high for a short journey.
Federal funding has been allocated to support transit infrastructure in host cities, including more than $10 million for the New York–New Jersey area, but concerns remain over affordability for fans.
The issue adds to growing scrutiny over the overall cost of attending the World Cup, with transportation emerging as a key point of contention.