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New Jersey officials have announced that fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium will face significantly higher transportation costs than usual.
The World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will bring matches to multiple U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.
However, soccer enthusiasts planning to attend games in the New York/New Jersey area should be prepared for steep ticket prices-not just for admission but also for transit. New Jersey Transit recently confirmed that train rides between Penn Station and MetLife Stadium will cost $150 each way during the tournament. This fare is a dramatic increase from the typical $12.90 fare for the roughly 15-minute, nine-mile journey.
Parking options will also be limited and costly, with spaces priced at $225. Officials expect approximately 40,000 fans to use public transit for each match, and MetLife Stadium will host eight games, including the tournament final.
NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri explained the elevated fare is intended solely to cover the $48 million expense of running additional train service to accommodate World Cup crowds. “This isn’t about apportioning blame,” Kolluri said.
“The governor has made it clear that those attending the games should pay for the service we provide. We’re not trying to gouge anyone or make a profit, just recover costs.”
The announcement comes in the wake of sharp criticism from New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, who has publicly condemned FIFA for refusing to contribute to transportation expenses. Sherrill highlighted the disparity, noting that while FIFA stands to earn $11 billion from the event, it is providing no funding for transit.
“We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” she said. “NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games.
I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come.”
Following confirmation of the $150 fare, Governor Sherrill announced measures to ease the burden on local commuters affected by service disruptions. She directed NJ Transit to offer discounts on June 22 and June 30, dates coinciding with peak commute hours during the tournament. Additionally, her administration is working with the PATH system to cross-honor tickets and increase service to maintain smooth transit operations throughout the event.
“This is about striking the right balance,” Sherrill said. “We will showcase New Jersey on the world stage while protecting our residents, supporting our workforce, and ensuring that the economic benefits of the World Cup are felt across our communities.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, with the opening match featuring Mexico versus South Africa in Mexico City.