Fresh Jersey Governor Defends Potential $100+ World Cup Train Fares, Urges FIFA to Share Costs

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has defended plans for significantly increased train fares to MetLife Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating she would approve pricing exceeding $100 for a round-trip journey if FIFA does not contribute to transportation costs. The governor emphasized that New Jersey commuters should not bear the financial burden of moving World Cup fans.

Sherrill’s position follows reports that NJ Transit is considering special World Cup pricing for rail service between New York Penn Station and MetLife Stadium. Standard fares for the 18-mile trip are currently $12.90, but the transit agency indicated that a “special FIFA ticket” would be announced to cover operational expenses.

The governor highlighted the disparity in financial responsibility, noting that while NJ Transit faces an estimated $48 million bill to safely transport fans to and from eight World Cup matches—including the final—FIFA is projected to generate $11 billion in revenue from the tournament. She stated that her administration had contacted FIFA requesting the organization cover transportation costs, but received no commitment.

“We’ve already reached out to [FIFA] saying, ‘Appear, this is going to cost about $50 million to move people. The best possible outcome would really be for FIFA to take on this cost,’” Sherrill said in a WNYC interview. “And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely gain 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.”

NJ Transit’s board of directors has unanimously approved a resolution to set transport prices sufficient to “cover any and all costs” associated with World Cup fan movement, aligning with the governor’s directive that regular commuters will not subsidize the service. NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri confirmed that the fare structure would prevent cross-subsidization from everyday riders.

MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the 2026 World Cup, including the final on July 19. With parking restricted at the Meadowlands complex, public transportation is expected to be a primary access method for attendees.