Fifa “should pay” for the spiralling costs of public transport at this summer’s World Cup 2026, according to New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill.
The World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada has seen reports over increased costs, including train tickets from New York’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium topping $100 for World Cup games, according to The Athletic, despite usual fares priced at $12.90.
"I won't stick N.J. commuters with that tab for years to come, that's not fair," Sherrill posted on social media. "FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don't, I'm not going to let N.J. commuters be taken for one."
“We have inherited an agreement in which FIFA doesn't contribute a single dollar toward transportation for the World Cup. And while NJ Transit is left with a $48 million bill to safely transport 40,000 fans from the stadium to wherever they're headed, FIFA is generating $11 billion from this World Cup.
"I'm not going to burden New Jersey taxpayers with that bill for years."
Sherrill has added to the growing pressure on Fifa president Gianni Infantino, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) also criticising the governing body.
Hochul said: “The World Cup should be as affordable and accessible as possible. Charging over $100 for a short train ride sounds awfully high to me,” she said, adding that such high prices won’t be “happening on the MTA.”
While Schumer added: “FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer’s World Cup,” he said, adding that NY residents were still being forced to foot the bill.
“The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile,” he said. He also demanded that the apex soccer governing body cover “transportation costs for host cities and states” in the U.S. “New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall,” he said.
England fans have taken a swipe at "another rip-off at this World Cup,” with Thomas Tuchel’s side due to play in New Jersey against Panama in the group stage.
Free Lions, the Football Supporters' Association's Fans Embassy service, responded on social media: "We were initially told the prices would remain as standard, however this potential news comes as little surprise.
"Another day, another rip-off at this World Cup. What on earth is going on?"
The reported increase for the New York/New Jersey venue follows on from authorities in Boston confirming their intention to quadruple return fares from the centre of the city to the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to 80 dollars (£59). England play their second group game against Ghana there, while Scotland's opening two games are being staged there.
Ticket-holders at the last men's Euros in 2024 received discounted rates on public transport in Germany.
Reuters contributed to this report
