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Given that fans may have to pay $150 to get to World Cup games at MetLife Stadium this summer, FIFA believes NJ Transit’s “Regional Stadium Mobility Plan” will be a success.
The host committee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in New York, New Jersey, and NJ Transit announced the plan Friday, with the cost of getting to MetLife Stadium being the hottest topic, along with a ban on parking at the stadium.
But Alex Lasry, CEO of the host committee, said the plan is “built with safety and accountability at the heart.”
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Kris Kolluri, CEO of NJ Transit, and Alex Lasry, CEO of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Host Committee in New York, New Jersey, speak during a press briefing on the regional mobility plan for the World Cup in Newark, New Jersey, April 17, 2026. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)
“(We) are ensuring that every fan, worker and resident can safely travel throughout the region during the tournament. This reflects years of planning and coordination between our transportation partners, and we are incredibly grateful for their collaboration,” Lasry said in a statement.
“Our goal is to provide a clear, reliable spectator experience while minimizing disruptions and helping residents cope with the increased demand the tournament will bring. We want to ensure the World Cup is an enjoyable experience throughout our region, while showing the world everything New York and New Jersey have to offer.”
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and FIFA have traded blows over ticket prices, with Sherrill imploring FIFA to pay for fans to attend games.
“Our administration inherited an agreement where FIFA provides $0 for transportation to the World Cup – zero. That 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 makes $11 billion from this World Cup and charges fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket to the final.”
A general view of MetLife Stadium and Meadowlands Station is seen from an NJ Transit train ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup semifinal game between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 9, 2025. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
FIFA hits back at New Jersey Governor MIKIE SHERRILL FOR DEMAND TO PAY FOR WORLD CUP TRANSPORT TICKETS
“I won’t make New Jersey commuters foot that bill for years – it’s not fair. So here’s the bottom line: FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don’t, I won’t let New Jersey commuters get screwed for one.”
FIFA said it was “quite surprised” by Sherrill’s unprecedented “approach”.
“The FIFA World Cup will attract millions of fans to North America, with the attendant 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, world concert tours, etc., where organizers would have had to pay for fan transportation,” he said.
The first game played at MetLife Stadium will be 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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In the “What fans should expect” section of its release, NJ Transit and the host committee said “travel will be different than a typical day” and that those not attending games should avoid non-essential travel on game days. Some will have no choice, as service from New York’s Penn Station to New Jersey will be interrupted on game days beginning four hours before game time.
The World Cup begins June 12 in Los Angeles on FOX.
