A US lawmaker has called on FIFA to cover public transportation costs for the 2026 World Cup following reports of planned fare increases around match venues in New Jersey.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said on X that football’s world governing body — projected to earn about $11 billion from the tournament — should shoulder transport expenses linked to stadium access.
Schumer was reacting to a report in The Athletic which said New Jersey Transit is considering charging more than $100 for trips from Penn Station in Manhattan to MetLife Stadium during the tournament. The same journey usually costs $12.90 for a return ticket.
“FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill,” Schumer commented.
“The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states.
“New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall.”
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also criticised the proposed fare increase, saying affordability should remain a priority for fans.
“The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible,” Hochul wrote on X. “Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me.”
NJ Transit has not issued an official response to enquiries, although The Athletic reported that a spokesperson said no final decision had been made on pricing.
“The ticket prices for match day travel have not been finalized and any reference to cost would be unconfirmed speculation,” the spokesperson said.
According to the report, NJ Transit estimates that providing services for eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium — including the final on July 19 — could cost around $48 million.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has insisted that taxpayers will not be made to bear the cost.
“We are not going to be paying for moving the people who are viewing the World Cup on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and New Jersey commuters,” she said.
Similar concerns have also been raised in Boston, where transport authorities confirmed that return tickets to Gillette Stadium could rise to $80 from the usual $20 during the tournament.