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Gillette Today
By the People, for the People
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill Criticizes FIFA Over World Cup Transportation Costs
Sherrill says NJ Transit tickets from MetLife Stadium to NYC will cost over $100 on game days, while FIFA makes billions from the tournament.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:44am
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An abstract illustration captures the tensions between FIFA's global ambitions and the local costs of hosting the World Cup.Gillette TodayNew Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has spoken out against FIFA's lack of funding for transportation to the 2026 World Cup games being held at MetLife Stadium. Sherrill revealed that the state's transit agency, NJ Transit, is facing a $48 million bill to safely transport 40,000 fans to and from each World Cup match, while FIFA is making $11 billion off the tournament and charging up to $10,000 per ticket for the final. Sherrill vowed not to let New Jersey commuters 'get taken for one' and called on FIFA to pay for the rides.
Why it matters
The high costs of attending World Cup games in New Jersey have sparked outrage, with concerns that it will price out many local fans and put an unfair financial burden on the state's transit system. Sherrill's criticism of FIFA highlights the broader tensions between the global soccer governing body and host communities over the economic impacts of major tournaments.
The details
According to Sherrill, the agreement inherited by her administration provides no funding from FIFA for transportation to the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. This leaves NJ Transit responsible for a $48 million bill to shuttle 40,000 fans to and from each game. Meanwhile, FIFA is making $11 billion off the 2026 World Cup and charging up to $10,000 for a single ticket to the final. Sherrill has vowed not to let New Jersey commuters bear the brunt of these costs, stating that 'FIFA should pay for the rides' if they want to host games in the state.
- The 2026 World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium will take place in July.
- Sherrill took office as New Jersey's governor in January 2026.
The players
Mikie Sherrill
The governor of New Jersey who has criticized FIFA over the high costs of attending World Cup games in the state.
FIFA
The global governing body of soccer that is organizing the 2026 World Cup, which is expected to generate $11 billion in revenue.
NJ Transit
New Jersey's public transportation agency that is facing a $48 million bill to safely transport fans to and from World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.
What they’re saying
“'Our administration inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup — zero. That leaves New Jersey Transit with a $48 million bill to safely get 40,000 fans to and from every game.'”
— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
“'At the same time, FIFA is making $11 billion off of this World Cup and charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket for the final.'”
— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
“'I won't stick New Jersey's commuters with that tab for years to come — that's not fair. So here's the bottom line: FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don't, I'm not going to let New Jersey commuters get taken for one.'”
— Mikie Sherrill, Governor of New Jersey
What’s next
New Jersey lawmakers have proposed a bill that would impose a 3% sales tax on retail goods, food and drink, and event tickets in the Meadowlands District during the dates of the World Cup to help cover transportation costs.
The takeaway
The high costs associated with attending World Cup matches in New Jersey have sparked outrage, with Governor Sherrill calling on FIFA to provide funding for the state's transportation needs. This dispute highlights the broader tensions between global sports organizations and host communities over the economic impacts of major sporting events.