• Transport prices for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in New Jersey were reduced after intense backlash from football fans
• Initial transport fares to MetLife Stadium were criticised as excessively expensive compared to normal travel rates
• Train ticket prices were cut from $98, while shuttle bus fares were reduced from $20 following public complaints

Transport fares for fans attending matches at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 have been reduced following widespread criticism over the high cost of travelling to venues in the United States.

According to BBC Sport on Wednesday, May 13, supporters had strongly opposed the initial pricing for train and shuttle services to MetLife Stadium, which will operate as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the tournament.

Authorities have now revised the transport costs downward after fans described the earlier fares as unreasonable.

Train ticket prices were reduced from $98, while shuttle bus fares were also slashed from $20.

The stadium is scheduled to host eight matches during the tournament, including one of England’s group-stage games and a semi-final fixture.

Reacting to the earlier pricing, the Football Supporters’ Association’s England fan representative, Thomas Concannon, described the charges as “astronomical,” adding that they were “completely out of the norm” compared to regular transport rates.

Under normal circumstances, a return rail trip from Penn Station in Manhattan to the stadium costs about $12.90, making the original World Cup fare increase a major concern for travelling supporters.

Speaking on the revised pricing, Mikie Sherrill explained that commercial sponsorship helped make the fare reductions possible without relying on public funds.

“Good news: Ahead of NJ Transit World Cup train tickets going on sale, NJ Transit is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money. Thank you to our partners for helping make this possible,” Sherrill said.

Kathy Hochul also praised the decision, stressing that access to the World Cup should remain affordable for supporters.

She announced that round-trip bus fares had been reduced by 75 per cent, with some tickets reserved specifically for New York residents.

Despite the reductions in New Jersey, concerns over transportation costs remain in other host cities.

Fans travelling to Foxborough in Boston are still expected to face significantly higher transport fares than usual during the tournament.

Supporters from England and Scotland are among those likely to be affected, as both teams are scheduled to play matches across several venues in the United States.

The latest adjustments come as organisers continue to face growing scrutiny over logistics, accessibility, and affordability ahead of the expanded World Cup tournament set to take place across North America.

New Jersey Transit sets $150 round-trip fare for FIFA World Cup matches

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that fans travelling to the New York-New Jersey area for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would have to pay $150 for a 36-mile round-trip train journey between New York City and Meadowlands Stadium, which will host eight matches, including the final.

Officials announced that only 40,000 train tickets will be made available for each match day, despite the usual return fare to the stadium being just $12.90.

The New Jersey Governor, Mikie Sherrill, said the state is facing a $48 million bill to ensure safe travel arrangements for supporters attending the eight games at the stadium.