New Jersey Transit is facing backlash over significant rail ticket price increases for the 2026 World Cup. Fans are upset about the high costs for matchday travel to major venues like MetLife Stadium.
Photo by MartĂn Fonseca/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
New Jersey Transitâs planned rail pricing for the 2026 World Cup has sparked backlash, with fans reacting strongly to the sharp increase for matchday travel.
The tournament is expected to bring huge demand across host cities, especially around major venues like MetLife Stadium.
But early transport pricing has already become a talking point before a ball has even been kicked.
Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
According to details shared via the New York Times, proposed pricing for matchday travel has raised eyebrows.
âNew Jersey Transit is currently planning to charge more than $100 for return rail tickets from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium for FIFA World Cup games. The 18-mile rail journey ordinarily costs $12.90 for a return ticket,â the NY Times tweeted.
The scale of the increase has quickly become a central issue, particularly given the short distance involved.
It also raises questions about accessibility for fans planning to attend matches during the tournament.
Fan frustration has been immediate, with many already questioning how matchday logistics will work, as one noted, âGood luck trying to grab the train at Penn Station.â
Others took a more extreme stance on the cost itself, with reactions like, âI canât wait to not even watch this on TV,â reflecting how pricing could impact engagement.
There were also broader criticisms of the host setup, including comments such as âNew Jersey doesnât even deserve to host. They should pull out.â
The pricing model drew sharp criticism as well, with one fan asking, âDoes the money grubbing ever stop? Boycott this thing,â while another summed up the mood by saying, âThis is ridiculous. Itâs just straight-up gouging fans.â
The overall reaction highlights a growing concern that rising costs could shape the fan experience as much as the football itself.
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The price increase is due to anticipated high demand for travel to matchday events across host cities.
Major venues like MetLife Stadium will be significantly impacted by the increased rail ticket prices.
Fans are expressing strong dissatisfaction and frustration over the sharp rise in ticket prices for matchday travel.
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