England supporters are facing significant increases in train ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup, with fares reaching nearly twelve times the normal rate. The cost of a train journey from New York to the MetLife Stadium, where England will face Panama in their last group match, will be £111, compared to the usual £9.50 fare for the nine-mile trip to New Jersey.
Thomas Concannon, the head of the Football Supporters’ Association England, expressed dismay at the exorbitant prices, stating that fans are feeling unwelcome due to the high costs associated with attending matches. He criticized the lack of concessionary prices, highlighting the impact on families and seniors.
Parking at the venue, hosting matches for various teams including Brazil, France, and Germany, will cost £166 per match. Officials anticipate around 40,000 fans using public transportation for each match, including the final on July 19.
The price hike has sparked a dispute between state officials and FIFA regarding who should cover the transportation costs for fans. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill justified the increase to prevent local commuters from bearing long-term financial burdens.
NJ Transit officials defended the pricing strategy, emphasizing the need to recoup costs for transporting fans to the stadium. Meanwhile, England’s matches at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough will also require fans to pay substantial train fares.
Heimo Schirgi, the chief operating officer for FIFA World Cup 2026, criticized the demand for FIFA to cover elevated prices, warning of potential negative impacts on transportation and the overall economic benefits of hosting the tournament.
The Football Supporters Association raised concerns about the expensive match tickets at the World Cup, criticizing FIFA for prioritizing profit over supporter loyalty. They estimated that attending all matches up to the final could cost fans around £5,200 in tickets alone.