US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called on FIFA to cover public transportation costs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

 

This demand comes after a report in The Athletic revealed that New Jersey Transit plans to charge fans significantly more than usual for services to MetLife Stadium (host of the final and other key matches). A typical $12.90 fare could rise to over $100 during the tournament.

Schumer posted on X (and shared similar messages on Facebook), arguing that FIFA stands to earn nearly $11 billion from the 2026 World Cup. Local commuters and residents in the New York area should not have to subsidize that profit through inflated transport costs or higher taxes. He stated: "I am demanding FIFA step up and cover transportation costs for host cities and states. New York commuters and residents should not subsidize an $11 billion windfall."

Broader Context on Ticket Prices and Host City Burdens

This pushback fits into ongoing criticism of FIFA's handling of the 2026 tournament (co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico). FIFA has faced backlash for:

Using dynamic pricing, which has driven repeated ticket price hikes.

Adding premium "front category" tiers with even higher costs (e.g., up to $4,105 for some opening matches or over $10,990 for the final in the top category).c94260

Earlier letters from nearly 70 US House members urging FIFA to lower ticket prices, make more affordable options available, and provide financial relief to host cities struggling with event costs (including fan festivals).55faac

Host cities have received some federal support—such as over $100 million from the US Federal Transit Administration for transit enhancements across host areas—but local agencies are still facing pressure to raise fares or seek additional revenue for the expected surge in fans.