FIFA hits back at USA for asking world body to subsidise travel costs for fans
FIFA has hit back at the United States after local authorities asked the governing body to subsidise fan travel costs for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Tension has been rising over reports that matchday transport could cost close to $100.
World football body FIFA has hit out at the United States after local authorities asked the governing body to subsidise travel costs for fans during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The pushback from FIFA comes after New Jersey governor Mikie Sherrill raised concerns over the rising cost of transportation for fans travelling to matches, with reports suggesting that return journeys to stadiums could cost close to $100 (Rs 9,325.80).
“I won't stick N.J. commuters with that tab for years to come, that's not fair,” Sherrill posted on X. “FIFA should pay for the rides, but if they don't, I'm not going to let N.J. commuters be taken for one.”
The official train ticket cost has not yet been announced, but The Athletic reported that Sherrill, the local World Cup host committee and NJ Transit all declined to deny that it would be above $100.
Sherrill further added, “We have inherited an agreement in which FIFA doesn't contribute a single dollar toward transportation for the World Cup. And while NJ Transit is left with a $48 million bill to safely transport 40,000 fans from the stadium to wherever they're headed, FIFA is generating $11 billion from this World Cup.
“I'm not going to burden New Jersey taxpayers with that bill for years.”
FIFA HITS BACK AT USA
Responding strongly, FIFA defended its position and pointed to prior agreements signed with host cities.
“We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor's approach today on fan transportation. The original FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City Agreements signed in 2018 required free transportation for fans to all matches. Recognising the financial strain this placed on the host cities, back in 2023 FIFA adjusted the Host Agreement requirements across all host cities as follows: All Match Ticket holders and accredited individuals shall be able to access transport (public or additionally planned transport) at cost to allow travel to Stadiums on match days.
“Moreover, FIFA has worked for years with host cities on their transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation.
“The FIFA World Cup will bring millions of fans to North America along with the related economic impact. Many of these fans will travel to NYNJ to enjoy the eight matches scheduled, including the FIFA World Cup Final. FIFA is not aware of any other major event previously held at NYNJ Stadium, including other major sports, global concert tours, etc., where organisers were required to pay for fan transportation.”
The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States along with Canada and Mexico, is set to be the biggest edition of the World Cup yet, with the tournament expanding to 48 teams. However, concerns over rising fan costs are already beginning to cast a shadow over preparations.