On Wednesday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill teamed up with U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer to urge FIFA to contribute toward the costs of transit security for the World Cup.
MetLife Stadium is slated to host eight matches during the World Cup, including the final. According to a report by The Athletic earlier this week, NJ Transit is considering a steep fare of $100 for train tickets transporting fans from New York Penn Station to the venue, compared to the standard fare of $12.90.
Parking will be significantly limited at the Meadowlands stadium complex, especially compared to NFL game days, making public transport the primary option for attendees as the tournament kicks off on June 11.
“We inherited a situation in which FIFA is contributing nothing toward transportation for the World Cup,” Governor Sherrill stated on X. “While NJ Transit faces a $48 million bill to ensure fans can travel safely to and from games, FIFA is set to profit $11 billion. I refuse to pass this expense onto New Jersey commuters for years to come.”
“FIFA needs to pay for the transportation costs. If they don’t, I will ensure New Jersey doesn’t bear the financial burden,” she added.
During an appearance on WNYC on Wednesday, Sherrill expressed her willingness to approve the fare increase if FIFA fails to intervene. “I will take that step if necessary because I will not shift this burden onto New Jersey citizens,” she stated.
On Wednesday, the board of directors for NJ Transit unanimously approved a resolution to establish transport prices that would “cover all costs” associated with fan transport, adhering to Governor Sherrill’s directive.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri expressed support for Sherrill’s request to FIFA, confirming that commuters won’t bear the extra expenses, as reported by NJ.com. “The governor has made it clear that whatever the fare ends up being, it will not be subsidized by our regular commuters. I’m sure every NJ Transit customer supports that,” Kolluri said. “This will cost us $48 million. We will charge FIFA fans for these tickets without passing that cost onto our commuters.”
Senator Schumer chimed in on Monday, asserting that FIFA should assist in covering transit security costs for the event. “As FIFA stands to gain nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup, it is unreasonable for New York area commuters and residents to be left with the financial burden,” Schumer mentioned on X. “The minimum FIFA should do is to ensure New York residents can attend the stadium without exorbitant fees. I am demanding that FIFA take action.”
We inherited a situation in which FIFA is providing nothing for transportation to the World Cup.
While NJ TRANSIT is left with a $48 million bill to safely transport fans, FIFA stands to make $11 billion.
I’m not going to let New Jersey commuters foot that bill for years… pic.twitter.com/pugU8davkW— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) April 15, 2026
Earlier this month, New Jersey’s host travel committee released a detailed transport plan for the event, which includes a park-and-ride strategy with designated parking lots and shuttle buses running to and from the stadium.
“Although rideshare options and limited premium parking will be available, the FIFA World Cup at NYNJ Stadium will heavily depend on public transportation, especially NJ Transit rail and Host Committee bus shuttles,” stated Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the host committee, to NJ.com. “We strongly encourage all ticket holders to take advantage of the extended NJ Transit rail service and the shuttles provided by the Host Committee.”
A FIFA spokesperson asserted that the host city had previously committed to providing free or at-cost transportation for fans attending all matches. “We are quite surprised by the NJ governor’s stance on fan transportation,” FIFA responded in a statement on Wednesday.
“The original agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches. Recognizing the financial strain on host cities, FIFA amended the agreement in 2023 to allow all match ticket holders and accredited individuals access to transportation at a cost on match days.”
“FIFA has collaborated for years with host cities to develop their transportation and mobility strategies, including advocating for federal funding to assist them with transportation costs.”
“The FIFA World Cup will attract millions of fans to North America, generating significant economic impact. Many fans will travel to NYNJ for the eight matches, including the FIFA World Cup final.”
“FIFA is not aware of any other major event held at NYNJ Stadium, including other significant sports events, concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to fund fan transportation.”
During the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, ticket holders enjoyed free transport on the city’s Metro system, funded by the government. UEFA absorbed the costs for ticket holders using public transport in host cities during Euro 2024.
In Kansas City, where England’s training camp will be based, free bus travel will be provided for fans from the airport near the Fan Festival in the city center, with unlimited regional travel passes available at $5.25 or $50. A Stadium Direct service will also connect four park and ride locations and the Fan Festival to Arrowhead Stadium for a $15 fee per person, as stated by the host city committee.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) stated there won’t be fare increases associated with World Cup matches in Philadelphia, as most, if not all, additional operating costs will be covered by a recently awarded federal grant.
Information from Press Association and The Associated Press contributed to this report.