After buying tickets to attend the matches of the 2026 World Cup (June 11th – July 19th), supporters are outraged by the exorbitant prices of metro tickets to reach certain stadiums in the United States. In Boston, Massachusetts, the local transport authority announced that a round trip between the station and Foxborough Stadium, 25 km away, would cost $80. This is nearly ten times more than usual ($8.75) and four times more than for an NFL game or a concert at Gillette Stadium ($20).
The local organizing committee also stated that a round trip on the Express bus, reserved for ticket holders, would cost $95. According to The Athletic magazine, the New Jersey transit authority plans to charge over $100 – compared to the usual $12.90 – for a round trip between Manhattan and the MetLife Stadium, which will host eight World Cup matches, including the final on July 19th.
The French team will play two of its Group I matches in Boston and New Jersey. “It’s a scandal. In recent competitions, transportation was included or offered at a low rate for ticket holders,” said Guillaume Auprêtre, spokesperson for the French Irresistibles (IF), the main supporter group for the French team with over 2,500 members. “We’re adding up the extra costs without thinking about the supporters,” he added, accusing FIFA of excluding “the most loyal supporters in favor of the wealthiest.”
Context: Outrage over increased transportation costs for World Cup matches in the United States.
Fact Check: The high prices for transport to stadiums in the US have sparked criticism from supporters and organizations representing fans.
The Fifa’s Record Revenues
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) of England and Wales also criticized what they called a “scam.” They expressed disappointment that the prices were not as initially promised and raised concerns about the high ticket prices for the matches, some reaching thousands of dollars on the official resale platform.
Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York pointed out that FIFA is expecting to earn nearly $11 billion this summer with the World Cup and suggested that the organization should ensure local residents can access the stadiums without extortionate costs. FIFA is anticipating substantial revenues for the 2023-2026 cycle, which includes the first World Cup with 48 teams, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Los Angeles as an Exception
Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York criticized the excessively high prices, emphasizing that the event should be as accessible and affordable as possible. New Jersey’s Democratic counterpart, Mikie Sherrill, stated that the state would not burden taxpayers with the transportation costs for supporters. Despite inquiries, the New Jersey transit authority did not respond, having previously mentioned that no final decision had been made.
According to American media, the operating costs of the public transport network during the eight matches at the stadium will amount to $48 million, primarily due to security needs. The US Department of Transportation (FTA) had allocated $100 million to the 11 host cities of the World Cup in spring to enhance their infrastructure and transport systems. Massachusetts received $8.7 million, while the New York/New Jersey region got $10.4 million. In contrast, LA Metro in Los Angeles received $9.6 million and assured that the usual prices for the trip to SoFi Stadium ($3.50 round trip) would not increase during the World Cup matches in March.
