World football’s governing body FIFA has pushed back against criticism from Mikie Sherrill over sharply increased transport fares during the upcoming 2026 World Cup, cautioning that high prices could trigger broader logistical and economic challenges beyond simply burdening fans.
The controversy centres around the cost of travelling to MetLife Stadium, one of the key venues for the tournament. Fans travelling from New York City to the stadium in New Jersey are expected to pay as much as $150 for a 30-minute journey on NJ Transit trains. The fare applies uniformly, with no concessions for children or senior citizens. Shuttle bus tickets have also been priced steeply at around $80.
Sherrill publicly criticised Fifa, arguing that the governing body should step in to subsidise transportation costs for fans attending matches. She also highlighted the financial burden on local authorities, claiming her administration had inherited an agreement under which Fifa contributes nothing towards transport expenses, leaving NJ Transit to shoulder an estimated $48 million bill. At the same time, she pointed to projections suggesting the tournament could generate up to $11 billion in revenue.
In response, Fifa officials rejected the criticism, saying the pricing structure was not within their direct control and warning that such elevated fares could undermine the overall tournament experience. Heimo Schirgi, chief operating officer for the competition, said the current pricing model risks discouraging fans from using public transport altogether.
According to Schirgi, higher fares may push spectators towards private vehicles or alternative modes of transport, potentially leading to increased traffic congestion, delays, and late arrivals at matches. He stressed that Fifa’s priority is to ensure smooth mobility, reduce reliance on cars, and maintain a positive fan experience focused on the action on the pitch rather than travel disruptions.
Fifa further argued that such ripple effects could dilute the economic benefits that host regions expect from staging the World Cup, including tourism revenue and long-term infrastructure gains. Officials suggested that efficient and affordable transport is critical to preserving the tournament’s legacy.
Addressing financial concerns, Fifa also disputed claims about its earnings. Schirgi clarified that while revenues from the World Cup may reach around $11 billion, this does not equate to profit. He reiterated that Fifa operates as a not-for-profit organisation, with proceeds reinvested into the global development of football, particularly in youth and women’s programmes.
The governing body also emphasised that host city agreements, including those related to infrastructure and logistics, were finalised as early as 2018. It added that it has already worked with local organisers to design a transport plan aimed at ensuring accessibility and efficiency for fans attending matches in New Jersey.
MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium in line with Fifa’s policies on commercial naming rights, is scheduled to host eight matches during the tournament, including a group-stage fixture featuring England national football team and the final on July 19. Meanwhile, similar concerns have emerged at Gillette Stadium near Boston, where transport costs have also risen significantly.
As the debate continues, the issue of transport affordability is shaping up to be a key concern ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with both organisers and local authorities under pressure to strike a balance between operational costs and fan accessibility.
