Schumer Calls on FIFA to Cover $150 NJ Transit Fares for World Cup Fans

Senator argues high rail costs will burden New York fans attending matches at MetLife Stadium

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:34am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the chaotic energy of World Cup fans rushing through a busy transit hub, with vibrant colors and sharp geometric shapes capturing the frenetic movement and tension.The high-stakes scramble for World Cup fans to reach MetLife Stadium via public transit exposes the challenges of hosting major sporting events in densely populated urban areas.East Rutherford Today

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has called for FIFA to cover the full $150 rail cost for New Yorkers attending the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Schumer says the high fares, which are over 11 times the regular price, are a "ripoff" and that FIFA should contribute to the $48 million bill that NJ Transit is facing to transport fans to the games.

Why it matters

The high transit costs and disruptions to regular commuters in the densely populated New York/New Jersey region raise concerns about accessibility and affordability for local fans attending the World Cup matches. Schumer argues FIFA, which is projected to earn $11 billion in revenue from the tournament, should help cover these costs rather than burden local residents.

The details

NJ Transit is hiking train ticket prices from the usual $12.90 to $150 roundtrip from Penn Station to the Meadowlands for the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. There will also be $80 shuttle services available. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri says the $48 million cost to the agency should not be subsidized by local commuters. Schumer says FIFA has told other host cities they can offer mass transit for as little as $2.50 roundtrip.

  • The $150 NJ Transit fares will be in effect from June 13 to July 19, 2026.
  • MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey will host 8 World Cup matches, including the final on July 19, 2026.

The players

Chuck Schumer

A Democratic U.S. Senator from New York who is calling on FIFA to cover the high NJ Transit fares for World Cup fans.

Kris Kolluri

The CEO of NJ Transit who has defended the fare hikes, saying the $48 million cost should not be subsidized by local commuters.

Mikie Sherrill

The Governor of New Jersey who has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the World Cup games.

Heimo Schirgi

The FIFA World Cup Chief Operating Officer who said the NJ Transit pricing model will have a "chilling effect" and push fans toward alternative transportation options.

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What they’re saying

“Charging more than eleven times the normal fare for a train ride is a ripoff, plain and simple.”

— Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

“It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey's diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Gov. Mikie Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair.”

— Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit CEO

“The NJ Transit current pricing model will have a chilling effect. Elevated fares inevitably push fans toward alternative transportation options. This increases concerns of congestion, late arrivals, and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately diminish the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region stands to gain from hosting the World Cup.”

— Heimo Schirgi, FIFA World Cup COO

What’s next

Schumer has called on FIFA to cover the full $150 NJ Transit fares for World Cup fans, arguing it is unfair for local residents to shoulder the burden of the $48 million transportation costs. FIFA has not yet responded to Schumer's request.

The takeaway

The high transit costs and disruptions for the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium highlight the challenges of hosting major sporting events in densely populated urban areas. While the economic benefits of hosting the World Cup are significant, the financial burden on local residents and commuters must also be addressed to ensure accessibility and affordability for fans.