Schumer Demands FIFA Cover $150 World Cup Train Tickets to MetLife Stadium

Senator says FIFA should pay for inflated NJ Transit fares during World Cup matches.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:23am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a soccer match at MetLife Stadium, with the players and field broken down into abstract shapes and planes of vibrant primary colors.A cubist interpretation of the chaotic transportation challenges facing World Cup fans traveling to MetLife Stadium.East Rutherford Today

Senator Chuck Schumer is calling on FIFA to cover the cost of getting fans to the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey this summer. NJ Transit is charging a staggering $150 for round-trip train tickets from Manhattan to the stadium, nearly 12 times the regular $12.90 fare. Schumer says FIFA, which is making $11 billion from the tournament, should not be sticking New Jersey taxpayers with a $48 million tab to transport their fans.

Why it matters

The high cost of transportation to the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium could price out many local fans and hurt the overall fan experience. Schumer argues that FIFA, as the event organizer, should be responsible for covering these inflated transit costs rather than passing them on to attendees.

The details

NJ Transit says the round-trip train tickets during the World Cup tournament will cost $150, up from the regular $12.90 fare for the roughly 15-minute, 9-mile ride from Manhattan to the stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Schumer is demanding that FIFA pick up the tab for this transportation, but FIFA has pushed back, saying it's "unprecedented" for a global event organizer to be asked to absorb such costs.

  • The 2026 World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium will take place this summer.

The players

Chuck Schumer

A U.S. Senator representing New York who is calling on FIFA to cover the inflated NJ Transit fares for fans attending World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.

FIFA

The international governing body of association football, futsal, and beach soccer, which is organizing the 2026 World Cup tournament.

NJ Transit

The public transportation system serving the state of New Jersey, which is charging $150 for round-trip train tickets from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium during the World Cup.

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What they’re saying

“FIFA's making 11 billion and sticking New Jersey transit with a $48 million tab to move their fans. That's a rip off.”

— Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

“to arbitrarily set elevated prices and demand FIFA absorb these costs is unprecedented. No other global event, concert or major sporting promoter has faced such a demand.”

— FIFA

“I think that's pretty crazy. You shouldn't have to pay tour life savings just to get on a train or something.”

— Justin Gaspar, Soccer Fan

“The whole reason to have this event was that we were going to be investing in our infrastructure and doing things that were going to make our lives better. So if it's actually making our lives worse then it doesn't make a lot of sense.”

— Sadaf Jaffer, Soccer Fan

“I think that it's the right move. I mean, considering that a ticket is going to cost $10,000 for the final game, I think you can pony up 150 bucks.”

— James Hill, Soccer Fan

What’s next

Schumer plans to continue pressuring FIFA to cover the inflated NJ Transit fares for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. If FIFA does not agree, it could lead to further disputes and negotiations over fan transportation costs.

The takeaway

This dispute over World Cup transportation costs highlights the tension between event organizers like FIFA and local communities hosting major sporting events. While FIFA stands to make billions, the high costs passed on to fans and taxpayers could dampen the overall fan experience and public support for hosting such events.