NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called on FIFA to cover the additional transportation costs for fans attending World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, arguing that the international soccer governing body should not leave local taxpayers and commuters bearing the financial burden of an event projected to generate billions in revenue for the organization.
Sherrill's remarks on Wednesday came amid growing concerns over the logistics of transporting potentially hundreds of thousands of fans to the stadium in East Rutherford for eight matches, including the tournament final on July 19, 2026. The World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, 2026, across 16 host cities in North America, with MetLife — known as NY/NJ Stadium for the tournament — serving as a central venue in the New York metropolitan area.
According to reports from The Athletic, NJ Transit is contemplating a significant fare hike for special trains shuttling fans from New York Penn Station to the stadium, potentially charging $100 per ticket compared to the standard $12.90 fare. This increase is intended to offset a $48 million bill for enhanced security and transportation services during the matches. Parking at the Meadowlands complex will be severely limited compared to regular NFL games, positioning public transit as the primary mode of access for attendees.
"We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup," Sherrill posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday. "And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion. I'm not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come."
Sherrill emphasized that if FIFA does not contribute, she would support the fare increase to ensure the costs do not fall on everyday riders. Speaking on WNYC radio the same day, she stated, "I will, if that's what it takes, because I'm not putting this on the back of New Jerseyans." Her stance aligns with a directive she issued, prompting NJ Transit's board of directors to unanimously approve a resolution on Wednesday to set transport prices that "cover any and all costs" associated with the event.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri echoed the governor's position in comments to NJ.com, affirming that regular commuters would be shielded from the extra expenses. "The governor said whatever the fare will be, it will not be cross subsidized by our regular commuters," Kolluri said. "I'd think every NJ Transit customer would stand behind that. It will cost us $48 million. We will charge FIFA fans for those tickets, and it will not be subsidized by our commuters."
Sherrill's call was joined by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, who on Monday urged FIFA to help fund transit security costs in the region. "FIFA is set to reap nearly $11 billion from this summer's World Cup, yet New York area commuters and residents are being handed the bill," Schumer wrote on X. "The least FIFA can do is ensure New York residents can go to the stadium without being gouged at the turnstile. I am demanding FIFA step up."
The dispute traces back to host city agreements signed in 2018, which initially required free transportation for fans to all matches. In 2023, FIFA revised these terms across all host cities to allow transport at cost for ticket holders and accredited individuals, citing financial pressures on local organizers. A FIFA spokesperson expressed surprise at Sherrill's approach in a statement released Wednesday.
"The original FIFA World Cup 2026 host city agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches," the spokesperson said. "Recognizing the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the host agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All match ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport [public or additionally planned transport] at cost to allow travel to stadiums on match days."
FIFA highlighted its collaborative efforts with host cities on transportation plans, including securing millions in federal funding. The organization noted that the World Cup's economic impact will draw millions of fans to North America, with NY/NJ Stadium hosting eight high-profile games. "FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc, where organizers were required to pay for fan transportation," the spokesperson added.
Earlier this month, New Jersey's host travel committee unveiled a comprehensive plan for managing transport and parking during the matches. The strategy emphasizes a "public transportation first" approach, featuring expanded NJ Transit rail service and shuttle buses from designated park-and-ride lots. "While rideshare and limited premium parking options will be available, the FIFA World Cup at NYNJ Stadium will be a public transportation first event, largely relying on NJ Transit rail and Host Committee bus shuttles," said Natalie Hamilton, a spokesperson for the host committee, in an interview with NJ.com.
"We are strongly encouraging all ticket holders to utilize expanded NJ Transit rail service and the Host Committee's Stadium Shuttle," Hamilton added. The plan includes specific parking lots and shuttle routes to facilitate smooth access, though officials acknowledge the challenges of accommodating large crowds for an event of this scale.
Comparisons to previous international tournaments underscore the varying approaches to fan transportation. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, ticket holders received free access to the city's Metro system, subsidized by the host government. Similarly, UEFA covered the costs of public transport for ticket holders in German host cities during the Euro 2024 tournament last summer.
In contrast, other 2026 World Cup host cities are adopting mixed models. Kansas City, which will serve as England's training base, plans free bus service from the airport to the Fan Festival and offers daily, weekly, and tournament passes for regional travel at $5.25, $50, and higher rates, respectively. Ticket holders can also use a Stadium Direct shuttle from park-and-ride sites to Arrowhead Stadium for $15 per person, according to the local host committee.
Philadelphia, another East Coast host city, has committed to no fare increases for World Cup-related services on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system. A SEPTA spokesperson told reporters that most added operating costs will be offset by a recent federal grant, ensuring accessibility without burdening local riders.
The standoff between New Jersey officials and FIFA highlights broader tensions in hosting mega-events, where local infrastructure strains against global spectacles. As preparations intensify with less than two years until the tournament begins, negotiations over funding could shape not only fan experiences but also the financial legacy for host regions. Sherrill has indicated she is open to further discussions, but for now, NJ Transit proceeds with plans to recoup costs directly from World Cup attendees if FIFA does not intervene.
Information from The Associated Press and Press Association contributed to this report.
— Sarah Mitchell, The Appleton Times