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As anger continues to grow over the steep prices surrounding the 2026 World Cup, FIFA found itself once again defending the tournament's costs, this time responding to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, who called out the organization over inflated train fares.
A train ride that normally costs just $12.90 from Penn Station in New York City to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is expected to surge to approximately $150 during this summer's World Cup, according to The Athletic.
The dramatic price hike left fans outraged, particularly because it is set to apply uniformly to all passengers, eliminating the discounted fares typically available to seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities—a standard practice on NJ Transit.
Sherrill placed the blame squarely on FIFA, claiming the organization left NJ Transit with a "$48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games." Rather than passing those costs onto state residents through taxes "for years to come," she argued that game attendees must absorb the financial burden since FIFA is contributing "$0 for transportation to the World Cup."
FIFA Directly Addresses Sherrill's Claims
In an unusually direct response, FIFA pushed back against Sherrill's statements and stood firm in its position.
"We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor's approach today on fan transportation," a spokesperson told The Athletic. "The original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches.
"Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023, FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days.
"Moreover, FIFA has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.
"The FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America, along with the related economic impact. Many of these fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled, including the FIFA World Cup Final. FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation."
What Did Sherrill Say in Response?
Sherrill fired back at FIFA through her spokesperson Sean Higgins, who also spoke with The Athletic.
"Governor Sherrill is always going to fight for New Jersey, so FIFA shouldn't be 'quite surprised' that she wants it to pay for transporting its fans. The governor isn't going to allow FIFA to make $11 billion in profits and then stick New Jerseyans with a massive bill.
"The agreement our administration inherited allowed FIFA to eliminate parking at MetLife Stadium. As a result, NJ Transit must move four times as many riders as it does during a normal event at the venue. So NJ Transit will provide transportation for ticket holders coming into New Jersey 'at cost'—and the cost to NJ Transit is at least $48 million."
As many as 40,000 fans are anticipated to rely on NJ Transit each matchday at MetLife Stadium, which has a total capacity of 82,500. Ticket prices for these matches are already the most expensive in World Cup history, with the resale market driving costs even higher.
World Cup Games at MetLife Stadium
With high-profile matches set to take place at the home of the NFL's New York Giants and New York Jets this summer, simply securing a ticket is only the beginning. Getting to the games presents its own challenge, as a significant portion of MetLife Stadium's usual 19,000 parking spaces will be off-limits due to security measures.
This leaves many fans with little choice but to rely on NJ Transit, and the elevated fares are placing an added financial burden on supporters.