NJ Governor: FIFA ought to cover additional train expenses for MetLife during World Cup

On Wednesday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill joined U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer in urging FIFA to assist with the costs associated with World Cup transit security.

MetLife Stadium is set to host eight matches during the World Cup, including the final. Earlier this week, The Athletic reported that NJ Transit is contemplating a fare of $100 for train tickets to transport fans between New York Penn Station and the stadium, compared to the standard fare of $12.90.

Parking at the Meadowlands stadium complex will be more limited than during NFL games, making public transportation one of the primary means for attending World Cup matches, which commence on June 11.

“We inherited an agreement where FIFA is contributing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” Sherrill stated on X.

“While NJ TRANSIT faces a $48 million bill to safely transport fans to and from the games, FIFA is set to earn $11 billion.

“I will not burden New Jersey commuters with that expense for years to come.

“FIFA should cover the transportation costs. However, if they do not, I will ensure New Jersey is not left to bear the burden alone.”

During an interview on WNYC on Wednesday, Sherrill indicated she would approve the fare increase if FIFA fails to intervene.

“I will, if necessary, because I refuse to place this financial burden on New Jersey residents,” she remarked.

On Wednesday, NJ Transit’s board of directors unanimously passed a resolution to establish transport fares to “cover any and all costs” associated with fan transportation, in line with Sherrill’s directive.

NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri expressed his support for Sherrill’s appeal to FIFA and confirmed that commuters would not incur additional costs, as reported by NJ.com.

“The governor stated that whatever the fare may be, it will not be subsidized by our regular commuters. I believe every NJ Transit customer would agree with that,” Kolluri told NJ.com. “It will cost us $48 million. We will charge FIFA fans for those tickets, and it will not be subsidized by our commuters.”

On Monday, Schumer emphasized that FIFA should contribute to the costs of World Cup transit security.

“FIFA is poised to earn nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup, yet commuters and residents in the New York area are being handed the bill,” Schumer wrote on X. “The least FIFA can do is ensure that New York residents can access the stadium without excessive charges at the turnstile. I am demanding that FIFA take action.”

We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup.

And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion.

I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years… pic.twitter.com/pugU8davkW

— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) April 15, 2026

Earlier this month, New Jersey’s host travel committee unveiled a comprehensive plan for transportation and parking during the matches, detailing a park-and-ride strategy with designated parking lots and shuttle buses operating to and from the stadium.

“While rideshare and limited premium parking options will be available, the FIFA World Cup at NYNJ Stadium will prioritize public transportation, primarily relying on NJ Transit rail and Host Committee bus shuttles,” Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the host committee, informed NJ.com.

“We strongly encourage all ticket holders to take advantage of the expanded NJ Transit rail service and the Host Committee’s Stadium Shuttle.”

A FIFA spokesperson asserted that the host city had previously committed to providing free or at-cost transportation for fans at all matches.

“We are quite surprised by the NJ governor’s stance on fan transportation,” FIFA stated in a press release on Wednesday.

“The original FIFA World Cup 2026 host city agreements signed in 2018 mandated free transportation for fans to all matches. Acknowledging the financial burden this placed on host cities, FIFA revised the host agreement requirements in 2023, stating that all match ticket holders and accredited individuals shall have access to transport [public or additionally planned transport] at cost to facilitate travel to stadiums on match days.

“Furthermore, FIFA has collaborated with host cities for years on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.

“The FIFA World Cup will attract millions of fans to North America, along with the associated economic benefits. Many of these fans will travel to NYNJ to attend the eight matches scheduled, including the FIFA World Cup final.

“FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other significant sports events, global concert tours, etc., where organizers were required to finance fan transportation.”

During the last World Cup in Qatar in 2022, ticket holders benefited from free transport on the city’s Metro system, funded by the government.

UEFA covered the costs for ticket holders using German public transport in host cities on match days during Euro 2024.

Kansas City, where England’s training camp will be located, will provide free bus travel for fans from the airport near the Fan Festival in the city center, along with daily, weekly, and tournament passes for unlimited regional travel priced at $5.25 and $50, respectively.

Ticket holders will also have access to a Stadium Direct service, which connects four park-and-ride locations as well as the Fan Festival to Arrowhead Stadium for $15 per person, according to the host city committee.

Meanwhile, a representative for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) stated that there will be no fare increases associated with the hosting of World Cup matches in Philadelphia.

The representative noted that most, if not all, of the additional operating costs for running services during the World Cup would be covered by a recently awarded federal grant.

Information from Press Association and The Associated Press was utilized in this report.