If you’re planning to attend one of the eight 2026 World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, expect a higher cost of travel.
According to The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, New Jersey’s NJ Transit is reportedly set to charge fans over $100 in order to travel from Penn Station in New York to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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The 18-mile trek normally costs $12.90 per return ticket, which is what fans paid to attend nine matches during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. All World Cup travelers will be charged a blanket fee with reportedly no discount for senior citizens, children or disabled riders.
A final decision on pricing is expected this week. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Monday she was looking at ways to shift the costs of hosting World Cup matches away from taxpaying citizens.
“One of the key things I wanted to make sure is that we are not going to be paying for moving the people who are viewing the World Cup on the back of New Jersey taxpayers and New Jersey commuters,” Sherrill said. “And so we worked together closely to make sure that that cost will not be borne by New Jerseyans.”
Hosting eight matches at MetLife Stadium will reportedly cost NJ Transit as high as $48 million, which means those attending matches will have to contribute toward the costs “to prevent losses or excessive costs to local taxpayers.”
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Transportation via train will be vital for those attending any of the matches at MetLife. Parking at the stadium will be limited compared to typical events held there such as New York Giants and Jets games. The potential crush of riders will also mean that parts of the NJ Transit side of Penn Station in New York will be closed to non-World Cup ticket-holders for four hours prior to each of the eight matches at the stadium.
2026 World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium
June 13: Brazil vs. Morocco, 6 p.m. ET
June 16: France vs. Senegal, 3 p.m. ET
June 22: Norway vs. Senegal, 8 p.m. ET
June 25: Ecuador vs. Germany, 4 p.m. ET
June 27: Panama vs. England, 5 p.m. ET
June 30: Round of 32, 5 p.m. ET
July 5: Round of 16, 4 p.m. ET
July 19: Final, 3 p.m. ET
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