England fans handed rare 2026 World Cup boost as New York transport costs slashed after backlash

England supporters travelling to the 2026 World Cup have been handed a significant boost after transport prices for games at MetLife Stadium were dramatically reduced following widespread backlash.

Fans heading to New Jersey for matches at this summer's tournament had previously been facing eye-watering costs just to reach the stadium from New York City.

World Cup shuttle to MetLife Stadium will now be cheaper for fans

Officials have now confirmed that shuttle bus prices to MetLife Stadium have been cut from $80 (£60) down to just $20 (£15) following criticism from supporters.

England play Panama at the New Jersey venue on June 27th, with buses running from Grand Central Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.

New York governor Kathy Hochul announced the reduction on social media, stating the move was designed to make the World Cup “as accessible as possible”.

Getting to the World Cup should be as accessible as possible.

That’s why we’re lowering the round-trip price of bus tickets to World Cup matches from $80 to $20.

And because New Yorkers are helping host the world, 20% of those tickets will be reserved exclusively for New… https://t.co/02oHQc3FgB

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 13, 2026

There has also been movement on rail pricing. New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill confirmed NJ Transit return fares have been reduced from an originally proposed $150 (£111) down to $98 (£72) ahead of tickets going on sale.

The original prices sparked major anger among travelling fans, particularly after similar concerns were raised over transport costs in Boston. Lifelong England supporter Billy Grant told the Press Association the rail fares alone would have cost more than what he paid to attend the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.

Sherrill previously pointed the finger at FIFA over the situation, claiming the state had inherited an agreement in which football’s governing body was contributing “zero dollars for transportation”. FIFA later said it was “surprised” by those comments.

Governor Hochul also revealed that 20% of shuttle bus tickets will be reserved for New York residents because they are “helping host the world”.

FGG says: This is welcome news for England fans after huge criticism

This is undeniably good news for supporters, especially England fans, given they are guaranteed at least one game at MetLife Stadium and could return there later in the tournament too.

The original prices were widely viewed as excessive, particularly when fans are already dealing with massive costs for flights, accommodation and match tickets.

While the train fares still remain extremely expensive compared to normal matchday travel, the bus reduction from £60 to £15 feels like a rare example of fan backlash actually forcing organisers into action.