Key facts
- NJ Transit has sold 17,739 of 320,000 available round-trip train tickets for the World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
- Initial ticket prices were $150, later reduced to $98 after private funding.
- Governor Mikie Sherrill stated FIFA is providing $0 for transportation, leaving NJ Transit with a $48 million bill.
- FIFA expressed surprise at Sherrill's approach, stating they are not aware of other events requiring organizers to pay for fan transportation.
- NJ Transit service into and out of New York will be suspended four hours before matches, except for attendees.
- There will be no parking or rideshare availability at MetLife Stadium on game days.
NJ Transit is experiencing significantly lower-than-expected sales for its round-trip train tickets to MetLife Stadium for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with only 17,739 tickets sold out of 320,000 available for the eight games. The initial price of $150 was reduced to $98 after securing additional private funding, but sales remain sluggish, representing less than 6% of the total tickets offered. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has publicly criticized FIFA for not contributing any funds towards the estimated $48 million transportation costs, stating that New Jersey commuters should not bear the burden. FIFA, in response, expressed surprise at the governor's stance, noting that they are unaware of similar requirements for other major events held at the stadium. The transportation plan includes significant restrictions on game days, such as the suspension of NJ Transit service into and out of New York four hours before matches begin (except for ticket holders), no parking at MetLife Stadium, and unavailability of rideshare services on stadium property. The first match scheduled is between Brazil and Morocco, and the stadium will also host the championship final on July 19.