FIFA and New Jersey Clash Over $150 World Cup Train Tickets

Fans angered by high transit costs and station closures for matches at MetLife Stadium

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:21am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a chaotic train platform with commuters rushing to catch a train, the scene broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conceptually representing the tensions over World Cup transportation costs.The dispute over high-priced World Cup transportation reflects the complex challenges of hosting major sporting events and balancing the needs of fans, organizers, and local communities.NYC Today

FIFA and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill have become embroiled in a feud over the high cost of train tickets and plans to close parts of New York's Penn Station for World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium. Sherrill has accused FIFA of not covering the costs of transporting fans, leading to $150 round-trip train tickets, while FIFA has warned that the elevated fares will have a 'chilling effect' on attendance.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the challenges of hosting major sporting events and the need to balance the interests of fans, event organizers, and local communities. High transportation costs and accessibility issues could price out some fans and undermine the economic benefits the World Cup is expected to bring to the region.

The details

According to reports, parts of Penn Station will be closed to NJ Transit commuters not attending World Cup games for four hours before kickoff during the eight matches at MetLife Stadium. Additionally, round-trip train tickets between Penn Station and MetLife Stadium, where the final of the FIFA World Cup is set to be played, were announced by NJ Transit to cost $150 per person, a significant increase from the typical $12.90 round-trip fare.

  • On April 6, reports surfaced that parts of Penn Station would be closed to NJ Transit commuters not attending World Cup games.
  • On April 17, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill issued a press release addressing the price increases, stating that they were caused by FIFA's decision to eliminate parking at MetLife Stadium.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The Democratic governor of New Jersey who has accused FIFA of not covering the costs of transporting fans to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.

Heimo Schirgi

The COO for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, who has warned that the elevated train fares will have a 'chilling effect' on fan attendance.

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What they’re saying

“'We are committed to ensuring costs are shared fairly. As I have said repeatedly, FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans. If it won't, we will not be subsidizing World Cup ticket holders on the backs of New Jerseyans who rely on NJ TRANSIT every day.'”

— Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Governor

“'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, COO for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

What’s next

The dispute between FIFA and New Jersey officials is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached on the transportation costs for World Cup fans. The issue will likely continue to be a point of contention in the lead-up to the tournament.

The takeaway

This clash over World Cup transportation costs highlights the complex negotiations and trade-offs involved in hosting major sporting events. While FIFA and local organizers aim to maximize the economic benefits, they must also balance the needs and concerns of local residents who rely on public transit. Finding the right balance will be crucial for ensuring a successful and accessible World Cup experience.