£111 Trains Will Have ‘Chilling Effect’ on World Cup

Fifa has responded to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s criticism, stating that the high train costs for the 2026 World Cup will impact more than just immediate expenses for attendees. Sherrill accused the football governing body of responsibility, highlighting that fans must pay $150 for a 30-minute journey from New York to MetLife Stadium, now renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium under Fifa’s sponsorship policy. This includes $150 for adults, with no concession rates, and $59 for shuttle bus tickets.

Fifa’s Defense and Transportation Goals

“Our aim is to reduce traffic, limit private vehicle use, and ensure the fan experience is defined by the game, not delays,” said Heimo Schirgi, Fifa’s chief operating officer. He argued that the current pricing model by NJ Transit will deter fans, forcing them to seek alternatives. This, he claimed, risks congestion, late arrivals, and undermines the economic gains and legacy for the region.”

Meanwhile, train fares at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, near Boston, have also risen significantly to $80 (£59), with coach tickets priced at $95 (£70). Sherrill criticized Fifa for not covering transportation costs, noting that her administration inherited an agreement where the organization provided no financial support. NJ Transit’s $48m (£35m) bill has raised concerns, as Fifa is projected to earn around $11bn (£8.1bn) in revenue, not profit, according to the governor.

Fifa clarified that it operates as a not-for-profit entity, with funds reinvested into football development, especially for youth and women’s programs. The host city agreements, signed in 2018, already included a transportation plan designed to offer efficient mass transit options for the eight matches in New Jersey, including an England group game and the final on 19 July.

Additional context: England and Scotland World Cup tickets are being resold at inflated prices, with the final ticket priced at $11,000. For more insights, follow the BBC Sport coverage or listen to the latest Football Daily podcast. Get football news directly on your phone for real-time updates.