New Jersey chief pins blame on FIFA in “extraordinary” defence of 2026 World Cup transport costs

New Jersey’s governor has defended the controversial plan to charge fans more than $100 (£75) to travel to 2026 World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium.

But she says the real blame lies with FIFA.

New Jersey governor pins blame on FIFA for extortionate costs to get to MetLife Stadium

Mikie Sherrill has hit back after plans emerged for return train tickets from New York to MetLife Stadium to cost more than £75 during the 2026 World Cup.

The usual return fare between New York Penn Station and MetLife is just $12.90 (£9.50), but special-event pricing for World Cup matches is expected to increase that by more than seven times.

Sherrill defended the decision by arguing that FIFA is forcing local authorities to cover the enormous costs of hosting the tournament, via The Athletic.

Extraordinary defence here by New Jersey Governor of the $100+ train prices to MetLife stadium first reported by @TheAthleticFC yesterday – she’s pinning it on FIFA and not budging. This is the Governor of the host state of the World Cup final going to war with FIFA. https://t.co/ZHgGIIxo8n

— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) April 15, 2026

She said New Jersey inherited an agreement in which FIFA does not contribute towards transport costs, despite expecting to make around $11 billion (£9 billion) from the World Cup.

According to the governor, the total cost of running special rail services and meeting FIFA’s security requirements for the eight matches at MetLife will be around $48 million (£35 million).

Sherrill said: “FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don’t, I’m not going to let New Jersey commuters be taken for one.”

Her comments came after criticism from politicians, including Chuck Schumer and Kathy Hochul, who both described the proposed prices as excessive.

The debate has become even louder because other host cities have announced far cheaper transport plans, with Kansas City charging just $15 (£11) for matchday buses and Philadelphia keeping subway fares at $2.90 (£2.15).

FGG says: FIFA cannot keep passing every cost on to fans

There is some truth in what Sherrill is saying.

FIFA keeps the money from tickets, sponsorships, broadcasting and parking, while host cities are left to pick up huge bills for transport and security.

But however unfair that may be on local authorities, it is ultimately the supporters who are being hit hardest.

Charging more than £75 for an 18-mile round trip is just extraordinary, especially when fans are already paying huge amounts for tickets, flights and hotels.

The comparison with other tournaments only makes it look worse – fans got free public transport at both the World Cup in Qatar and Euro 2024 in Germany.

At some point, FIFA has to accept that if it wants to stage the biggest football tournament in the world, it also has a responsibility to make it accessible for ordinary supporters.