FIFA faces pressure from Schumer over $150 World Cup NJ Transit train fares
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Senator Chuck Schumer (DY) called for FIFA to cover full rail costs for New Yorkers attending the World Cup, as NJ Transit train ticket prices to get to MetLife Stadium for the games are set at $150.
Schumer issued a statement on Sunday calling on FIFA to pay for the fair in full; this amount was astronomically higher than the normal cost of traveling from Penn Station to the Meadowlands, and he understood that “FIFA will generate approximately $11 billion in revenue from the tournament, while New York fans will charge $150 NJ Transit round-trip tickets to get to the game.”
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host eight games throughout the World Cup, including the final on July 19. The regular price for the Meadowlands train from Penn Station is $12.90, but it will increase to $150 from June 13 through July 19. Shuttles worth $80 will also be available.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, during a news conference following the weekly Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
NJ Transit CEO Kirs Kolluri defended the fare increases Friday, saying the company’s final cost should not be a burden to New Jersey riders.
Kolluri reiterated that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million, saying, “It’s an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey’s diversity, as well as its economic position in the country and the world. Equally important, (Governor Mikie Sherrill) said New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of game-going fans because that would not be fair.” he said.
Penn Station is also scheduled to be partially closed for up to four hours before each World Cup match, inconveniencing regular commuters and travelers eight times throughout the tournament.
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Schumer argues that it’s unfair that New Yorkers have to deal with the price increase, especially considering FIFA is eliminating parking spaces at MetLife Stadium. Parking at the nearby American Dream Mall is also around $225, and walk-in access is also prohibited.
Schumer’s statement stated that public transportation is “the only way to get in and out of the stadium on game days.” But Schumer isn’t berating NJ Transit; is aware of the financial situations the company has to deal with.
He points the finger at FIFA for not helping with the cost.
“The total NJ Transit operation to move fans to and from MetLife is projected to cost $62 million, with approximately $11 million devoted to security alone. The federal government contributes $10.6 million and the NY/NJ Host Committee contributes just over $3 million, leaving NJ Transit to foot a $48 million bill with zero financial contribution from FIFA.
“Meanwhile, FIFA has told other host cities they can offer fans public transportation for as little as $2.50 round-trip, a fraction of what New York fans pay.”
A general view of MetLife Stadium and Meadowlands Train Station is seen from an NJ Transit train prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semifinal match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 9, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Schumer added: “Charging more than eleven times the normal fare for train travel is robbery, plain and simple.”
FIFA’s budgeted revenue for the 2023-2026 period is approximately 11 billion dollars, which indicates a 71% increase compared to the previous period. This is also the most profitable World Cup in the tournament’s history.
Schumer’s statement also stated that within the scope of FIFA’s dynamic pricing model, ticket prices for matchgoers are around $700 for the group stage, and the gate entrance fee for the final match at MetLife Stadium is as high as $10,000.
“We bring more fans, more riders, and more chaos to this tournament than any other region,” Schumer added. “FIFA needs to act accordingly. When you eliminate parking, close Penn Station and force every fan onto a single transportation system, past practices don’t stop that. FIFA should undertake this journey, not put New York fans on the hook.”
FIFA may not have historically contributed to public transportation costs at previous tournaments, but Schumer argues that New York and New Jersey are not other host regions. The region, which is the most densely populated region in the country, will host eight matches.
Kolluri also noted that if the regular $12.90 fare remains the same, the $48 million bill for NJ Transit would be 92% subsidized for commuters.
“No one I’ve talked to thinks this is fair or reasonable. Without a doubt, travelers in New Jersey shouldn’t be carrying the cost years into the future for a great event. But fans going to games should bear that cost. That’s all we’re trying to say,” Kolluri said.
NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri and 2026 FIFA World Cup New York New Jersey Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry speak at a press conference on the regional mobility plan for the World Cup on April 17, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
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With the plan officially coming into effect, FIFA World Cup COO Heimo Schirgi made the following statement to Fox News Digital:
“Since the signing of host city agreements in 2018, FIFA has worked collaboratively with Host Committees and partners to develop a transport plan that provides efficient and accessible public transport options for ticketed fans attending eight matches at NY NJ Stadium. The aim is to minimize congestion, reduce reliance on private vehicles and ensure the fan experience is positive and memorable, defined by action on the pitch, not delays on the roads.
“NJ Transit’s current pricing model will have a chilling effect. High fares inevitably push fans to alternative transportation options. This increases congestion and late arrival concerns and creates broader ripple effects that ultimately reduce the economic benefit and lasting legacy the entire region will receive from hosting the World Cup.”
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
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