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Schumer Pressures FIFA Over NJ Transit Costs
Senate Majority Leader calls out soccer organization over high ticket prices for World Cup fans
Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:08pm
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The looming presence of MetLife Stadium casts a long shadow over the political and financial challenges facing the 2026 World Cup in the New York-New Jersey region.NYC TodayAs the New York-New Jersey region prepares to host World Cup matches, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is urging FIFA to help cover the estimated $48 million in transportation costs for NJ Transit. Schumer criticized FIFA's unwillingness to pay for public transit, which has led NJ Transit to charge $150 per round trip ticket to cover the costs of transporting an estimated 40,000 fans per match at MetLife Stadium.
Why it matters
The high cost of transit to World Cup matches in the densely populated New York-New Jersey region is a significant barrier for many fans who want to attend the games. Schumer argues that FIFA, which is projected to generate $11 billion in revenue from the tournament, should contribute to the public transit costs to make the matches more accessible.
The details
NJ Transit announced that train tickets to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium will cost $150 per round trip, a price tag that has drawn criticism from both officials and fans. Schumer says FIFA is eliminating parking at the stadium, forcing all fans to use public transit, and then refusing to help cover the costs. In contrast, other host cities like Philadelphia and Houston are keeping transit costs to under $5 per trip for matches.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium will take place in June and July.
- Schumer held a news conference on the issue on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
The players
Chuck Schumer
The Democratic Senate Majority Leader from New York who is pressuring FIFA over the high transit costs for World Cup fans.
FIFA
The international governing body of association football, which is organizing the 2026 World Cup tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
NJ Transit
The public transportation system serving the state of New Jersey, which is responsible for transporting fans to and from the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.
What they’re saying
“What the hell?!? Who the hell do you think you are?!?”
— Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader
What’s next
Schumer says he will continue to pressure FIFA to help cover the transportation costs for World Cup fans, arguing that the organization can afford to contribute given its projected $11 billion in tournament revenue.
The takeaway
The high costs of public transit to World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium have become a point of contention, with Senate Majority Leader Schumer calling on the wealthy FIFA organization to help alleviate the financial burden on fans and the local transit system.
