New Jersey has to pay an incredible $48 million to keep the 2026 World Cup going, but a specific clause in an inherited contract has the Governor demanding that FIFA step up. Yankee Scores reports on the high-stakes financial standoff that could leave fans with $100 train tickets.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill says Fifa is to blame for the costly train fares at the 2026 World Cup.
He added that the world football’s governing body should subsidize it.
The Athletic reported, earlier this week that NY Transit is intending to bring in special event pricing for the 30-minute journey from Penn Station in New York to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The $100 Ticket Controversy
The cost of a train ticket to the games at the stadium may be over $100 (£73.80). This is seven times higher than the normal price of 12.90 (£9.50) to travel there and back.
There will be no concession prices, and children and seniors will have to pay the full fare as well.
MetLife Stadium will be named New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup. This is in alignment with Fifa’s policy on corporate sponsored names. The stadium will host eight matches, including an England group game, and the final on 19 July.
It follows the huge increase of train fares to matches at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, outside Boston, to $80 (£59) and coach fares to $95 (£70).
Sherrill Calls Out FIFA’s Profits
Sherrill demanded that taxpayers and commuters should not be left to foot the bill of ferrying World Cup fans to stadiums. He called for transport subsidy since Fifa sat on vast amounts of money in high ticket prices to the matches.
“We inherited an agreement where Fifa is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup.” The governor posted on X on Wednesday
“And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48m bill to safely get fans to and from games, Fifa is making $11bn.
“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.”
