2026 World Cup: Soaring transport costs fuel fan anger

With the 2026 World Cup approaching in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, controversy is growing over costs… this time related to transportation. After criticism of ticket prices, it is now the fares to reach American stadiums that are provoking outrage among fans.

In Boston, a round-trip train ticket to Gillette Stadium is advertised at $80, nearly ten times the usual fare. Alternatives are hardly more affordable: $95 for special buses and up to $175 for a parking space. In New Jersey, prices exceeding $100 are also being considered for travel from Manhattan to MetLife Stadium.

Faced with this accumulation of costs, several supporters' groups are denouncing the competition's elitist drift. Some point to a break with previous tournaments, where transportation was often included or offered at a reduced price for ticket holders. FIFA is accused of favoring a wealthier audience at the expense of traditional fans.

FIFA faces criticism over its revenues

Criticism is also mounting from the political sphere. American elected officials are denouncing the prices as excessive, arguing that the event, which is largely funded and highly lucrative, should remain accessible to the widest possible audience. This is especially true given that FIFA could generate nearly $11 billion in revenue during this edition.
Paradoxically, the host cities received $100 million in federal aid to improve their transportation infrastructure. Despite this, some local authorities justify the price increases by citing the particularly high logistical and security costs for an event of this magnitude.

However, not all cities are following this trend. In Los Angeles, public transportation to the stadium is expected to remain at its usual fares, demonstrating that another approach is still possible. But for many fans, the prevailing impression is already that attending the 2026 World Cup could become a luxury.