World Cup 2026: Economic impacts in the United States already falling short of promises

Much too much: exorbitant prices for accommodation and transportation during the World Cup in the United States

Less than two months before the event, American hotels are not fully booked. Industry professionals were expecting a massive wave of international supporters, but the demand remains surprisingly weak. In New York, the reservations are similar to those of a year without the World Cup. Worse: room prices, initially multiplied by four, have had to be lowered, sometimes with discounts of up to 50%. On average, prices have dropped by a third compared to their peak.

One reason: the price of tickets. It is the main obstacle. Consumer associations denounce an “opaque” and “unprecedented” pricing system. In the United States, where major sporting events are already expensive, FIFA adopts a market logic.

And the ticket is just the beginning. To reach MetLife Stadium, which will host eight matches including the final, the bill is expected to be staggering.

Out of the 80,000 spectators expected each of the eight match nights in the New Jersey stadium near New York, half are expected to arrive by train, the rest by car and bus. The round-trip train journey, which usually costs around $12.90, will now cost $150: more than eleven times the normal fare. The bus will be $80, and parking will be $225 per match.

Between transportation, accommodation, and additional expenses, the experience becomes prohibitive and excludes a portion of international supporters, who are traditionally the biggest spenders for tourism.