FIFA host committee praises NJ Transit World Cup plan amid $150 train tickets
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FIFA believes NJ Transit’s “Regional Stadium Mobility Plan” will be successful, as fans may have to pay $150 to travel to World Cup games at MetLife Stadium this summer.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee and NJ Transit announced the plan on Friday; The price of transportation to MetLife Stadium and the ban on parking in the stadium were the most talked about topics.
But Alex Lasry, chief executive of the Host Committee, said the plan was “built with safety and accountability at its core”.
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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)
“(We) ensure that every fan, employee and resident can move safely throughout the region throughout the tournament. This reflects years of planning and coordination among our transportation partners, and we are incredibly grateful for their cooperation,” Lasry said in a statement.
“Our focus is on minimizing disruption while providing a clear and reliable experience for match attendees and helping residents navigate the increased demand the tournament will bring. We want to ensure the World Cup is an enjoyable experience across our entire region as we show the world everything New York New Jersey has to offer.”
As New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and FIFA sparred over ticket prices, Sherrill implored FIFA to pay for fans to attend games.
“Our administration inherited an agreement in which FIFA provided $0 (zero) for transportation to the World Cup. This leaves New Jersey Transit with a $48 million bill to safely transport 40,000 fans to and from each game,” Sherrill said. in a video. “At the same time, FIFA is making $11 billion from this World Cup and charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket to the final.”
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)
FIFA RESPONDED TO NEW JERSEY ADMINISTRATOR MIKIE SHERRILL OVER REQUEST FOR PAYMENT FOR WORLD CUP TRANSIT TICKETS
“I won’t be slapping this bill on New Jersey travelers for years to come; it’s not fair. The bottom line is this: FIFA should cover transportation costs, but if they don’t, I won’t let New Jersey travelers pick up the bill.”
FIFA said it was “quite surprised” by Sherrill’s unprecedented “approach”.
“The FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America, with economic impact. Many fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight scheduled matches. FIFA is not aware of any other major events previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organizers have been required to pay for fan transportation,” he said.
The first match to be played at MetLife Stadium will be played on June 13 and will host eight matches, including the final on July 19.
A Meadowlands sign is displayed at the Secaucus Junction station in Secaucus, New Jersey, on April 17, 2026. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
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NJ Transit and the Host Committee reviewed the release’s “What Should Fans Expect?” He said in his episode that “travel will look different than a typical day” and that those not attending matches should avoid unnecessary travel on match days. Some will have no choice as service from New York Penn Station to New Jersey will be stopped on game days starting four hours before game time.
The World Cup starts June 12 in Los Angeles on FOX.
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