Football's governing body fires back at New Jersey officials over sky-high transport costs that could price out fans.
FIFA has launched a scathing attack on what it calls "vastly inflated" train ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, warning that $135 fares could devastate fan attendance at the tournament's biggest matches. The global football body's criticism comes after New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill raised concerns about transport pricing for games at MetLife Stadium.
The eye-watering train costs represent a major barrier for supporters planning to attend World Cup matches, with FIFA arguing these prices will create a "chilling effect" on the tournament's accessibility. Standard rail fares between major cities are expected to surge during the competition, potentially putting World Cup attendance out of reach for ordinary fans.
For African supporters and the diaspora communities across North America, these inflated transport costs could prove particularly damaging. Many fans from African nations who have migrated to the United States were counting on affordable travel options to follow their teams during what promises to be a historic World Cup featuring expanded representation from the continent.
The 2026 tournament will see Africa represented by nine nations for the first time, making accessibility crucial for the continent's passionate fanbase. FIFA's pushback against price gouging reflects growing concerns that commercial interests could overshadow the World Cup's role as a global celebration of football that should welcome supporters from all economic backgrounds.
