The Cost of Attending the World Cup in the US
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, fans from around the world are preparing to travel to the United States for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. However, the cost of transportation to and from matches has become a topic of discussion, especially for English football supporters attending key games.
The final group match between England and Panama is set to take place at the MetLife Stadium, located just outside New York City. This venue will host several other matches during the tournament, including the final on 19 July. While the most obvious route for fans in Manhattan to reach the stadium is by train from New York Penn Station, the price for a round trip is a staggering $150 (£111), which is significantly higher than usual. What’s more, standard discounts for children and seniors are not available, making it even more expensive for families.
This pricing model contrasts sharply with the approach taken during the 2012 London Olympics, where anyone with an event ticket was given a free day’s travelcard. This allowed fans to move freely across the city’s transport network without any additional cost.
Under the slogan “Your Ride to the World’s Game,” NJ Transit has instructed supporters traveling from New York City to the match that they can only book the trip via the NJ Transit mobile app. Tickets go on sale on 13 May, but the high cost has raised concerns among fans and officials alike.
New Jersey state governor Mikie Sherrill has expressed her frustration with the situation, stating that hosting the event should not come at the expense of New Jersey commuters and taxpayers. She argues that FIFA should cover the cost of transporting its fans and warns that the state will not subsidize World Cup ticket holders on the backs of everyday commuters.
However, FIFA chief operating officer Heimo Scherzi has responded by saying that the current pricing model could have a “chilling effect.” He suggests that elevated fares may push fans towards alternative transportation options, potentially leading to overcrowding and other logistical challenges.
Even after paying a sum that is twelve times higher than the standard fare, fans must adhere to strict rules. They will only be allowed on board if they have a match ticket and follow the protocols: “During ticket inspection, each ticket holder will receive an official NJ Transit Matchday Wristband. Wristbands are matchday-specific and must be worn at all times, including to board return service for travel after the match. No wristband, no ride.”
Other Host Cities and Their Transport Options
Boston, where Scotland will play twice and England once, is also commanding high fares for the 22-mile journey from the Massachusetts state capital to the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The flat fare is $80 (£60) return, almost five times the normal price. However, Boston is also home to one of America’s more generous public transport offers: free travel from the airport to the city centre via the Silver Line 1 bus.
At other US venues, World Cup match fares are more reasonable. In Dallas, where England plays their opening match, the Trinity Railway Express will charge normal fares ($6/£4.50 return) to reach Centreport station near the stadium. From the suburban trains, free shuttle buses will take match ticket holders to the ground.
Miami, venue for Scotland’s last group game against Brazil, has the most lavish offering. The optimum way to reach the Hard Rock Stadium is using the Brightline train to and from Aventura station. These privately run trains will be charging normal fares, starting at $12 (£9) each way; on match days, fans can get a 15 per cent discount. For $32 (£24) supporters can travel in Premium, with free pre-departure lounges and onboard drinks during the 17-minute journey.
Philadelphia is offering free public transport on match days to and from the Lincoln Financial Field stadium. In Pennsylvania’s largest city, Airbnb is sponsoring the trains. Connecting services are at normal prices.
Additional Host Cities and Transport Services
England’s training camp will be in Kansas City, where a dedicated free bus service will run every 15 minutes between the airport and downtown. Shuttles to the stadium will cost $15 (£11) return.
Several host cities are offering public transport at standard rates:
- Atlanta: $2.50 (£2) each way to and from the Mercedes-Benz stadium, payable with contactless or a special World Cup Breeze prepaid card. Children under 3ft10in travel free.
- Houston: NRG Stadium is on the MetroRail Red Line, with the standard $1.25 (£1) fare applying – or buy a $3 (£2.20) all day pass.
- Los Angeles: $1.75 (£1.30) each way to and from the SoFi stadium.
- San Francisco appears to be nothing special for fans attending matches at Levi’s Stadium, southeast of the city. Normal $11 (£8) one-way fares will apply on the Bart metro train network.
- Seattle’s Lumen Stadium is just south of downtown, very close to the main King Street rail and transit station, and no special services are planned.
Matches in Canada and Mexico will follow this pattern, with extra services put on at standard city transport fares.
This story is kept revised and updated.
