FIFA abandons World Cup fans with $100 train fares after breaking free transport promise

FIFA is forcing World Cup fans to pay $100 for a 30-minute train journey that normally costs $12.90, after reneging on promises to provide free transport to matches at the 2026 tournament.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has publicly condemned FIFA for leaving supporters with astronomical transport bills while the governing body stands to make $11 billion from the tournament across North America.

The shocking reality: How FIFA's broken promises will cost fans hundreds

NY Transit will charge special event pricing for the journey from Penn Station in New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where eight World Cup matches including the final will be held. The seven-fold price increase means a family of four faces $400 just for train tickets to a single match.

No concessions for families

Children and seniors must pay the full $100 fare with no discounted tickets available. This pricing structure effectively locks out families who would normally attend matches together.

The situation is equally dire at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, where train fares have been increased to $80 with coach tickets costing $95.

We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup. And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48m bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11bn.

Governor Sherrill posted this damning assessment on X, highlighting the stark contrast between FIFA's massive profits and their refusal to support fan transport.

Parking costs add insult to injury

Those hoping to avoid inflated train fares by driving face another shock:

• MetLife Stadium parking: $225 per car
• Gillette Stadium parking: $175 per car

These prices mean a family choosing to drive could pay more for parking than for match tickets in some categories.

Why this matters for England and Scotland supporters planning their trips

England face Ghana at Gillette Stadium on 23 June before heading to MetLife Stadium to play Panama on 27 June. Scotland have two fixtures at Gillette Stadium, against Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June.

The real cost for travelling fans

British supporters following their teams face transport bills of at least $160-200 per match just to reach the stadiums. For Scotland fans attending both Gillette Stadium matches, that's $320-380 in transport costs alone before accounting for match tickets, accommodation, or food.

These inflated costs particularly hurt ordinary supporters who have saved for years to follow their national team at a World Cup. The promise of a tournament across North America is turning into a financial nightmare for working-class fans.

FIFA's changing stance

FIFA originally signed Host City Agreements in 2018 requiring free transportation for all fans to matches. However, in 2023 they quietly adjusted these requirements, allowing hosts to charge "at cost" rates.

A FIFA spokesperson claimed they were "surprised" at Governor Sherrill's comments and insisted the organisation had "advocated for millions of dollars in federal funding" to support transport. Yet they confirmed FIFA itself is contributing nothing directly to subsidise fan travel.

The bigger picture: Is FIFA pricing out ordinary football fans?

This transport scandal exposes a fundamental shift in how FIFA views its relationship with supporters. While claiming football is the "people's game", their actions suggest a different priority.

A pattern of profit over people

FIFA's refusal to subsidise transport despite earning $11 billion from the tournament reveals their true priorities. They've shifted the financial burden entirely onto fans and local taxpayers while maximising their own profits.

I'm not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come. FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don't - I'm not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.

Governor Sherrill's stance highlights how local authorities are caught between FIFA's demands and protecting their own citizens from excessive costs.

The death of accessible football

When a train journey costs $100 and parking costs $225, attending a World Cup match becomes a luxury experience rather than a sporting event. Add ticket prices, accommodation in expensive North American cities, and food costs, and a single match could easily cost a fan $500-1000.

This pricing structure fundamentally changes who can attend World Cup matches. The passionate supporters who create atmosphere are being replaced by those who can simply afford the inflated costs.

What happens next

NY Transit will officially confirm pricing on Friday, likely cementing these inflated fares. With the tournament just months away, fans have little choice but to accept these costs or miss out on attending matches.

The controversy puts pressure on FIFA to reconsider their stance, but with Host City Agreements already signed and local transport authorities bearing the costs, significant changes appear unlikely. For England and Scotland fans planning their World Cup trips, the message is clear: budget for transport costs that could exceed the price of match tickets themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to get to World Cup matches?

Train fares to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will cost $100 return, up from the normal $12.90 fare. Trains to Gillette Stadium near Boston will cost $80, with coaches priced at $95. Parking at stadiums costs between $175-225 per car.

When do England play at the World Cup?

England play Ghana at Gillette Stadium on 23 June and Panama at MetLife Stadium on 27 June. Both venues have inflated transport costs, meaning England fans face paying $180 in train fares alone to attend both matches.

Why are World Cup transport costs so high?

FIFA refused to subsidise transport costs despite originally promising free travel in 2018 agreements. Local transport authorities must cover operational costs of moving thousands of fans, leading to special event pricing that's up to seven times normal fares.

Will children get cheaper train tickets to World Cup matches?

No concession prices are planned for World Cup transport. Children and seniors must pay the full $100 fare to MetLife Stadium or $80 to Gillette Stadium, making it extremely expensive for families to attend matches together.

Where are Scotland playing their World Cup matches?

Scotland play both their group matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough - against Haiti on 13 June and Morocco on 19 June. Fans attending both matches face $160 in train fares or $350 if driving and parking at the stadium.