2026 World Cup: FIFA Denounces Rising Transportation Costs
FIFA Voices Concerns Over Skyrocketing Train Ticket Prices for 2026 World Cup
On Friday, the FIFA organization expressed alarm over the sharp increase in round-trip train ticket prices to MetLife Stadium from New York for the 2026 World Cup. They believe this hike could deter supporters from attending.
Excessive Price Hike
According to FIFA, the cost of the journey has surged to approximately $150, which they deem "arbitrarily set." The organization notes that the New Jersey public transportation authority has multiplied its fares tenfold for the duration of the tournament.
Concerns Over Attendance
The World Cup operations director remarked that this unprecedented increase is alarming for a global event, whether sports-related or cultural. He warned that it may lead supporters to seek more affordable transportation alternatives.
Tensions with Local Authorities
The Governor of New Jersey stated that FIFA, which anticipates significant revenue from the tournament, should contribute to transportation costs for spectators. In response, FIFA reminded her that it is a nonprofit organization and that the competition’s revenues are reinvested in the development of football worldwide.
Comparison with Other Host Cities
FIFA also pointed out that transportation costs in other host cities typically range from $1.25 to $15. They highlighted that cities like Atlanta and Philadelphia benefit from the proximity of stadiums to urban centers, which helps keep travel costs down.
