Public transportation costs during the 2026 World Cup in the United States have surged to extraordinary levels, with some train journeys now priced more than ten times their normal fare, prompting criticism from fans and officials alike.
Reports indicate that a typical 15-minute train ride in the U.S. During the tournament has reached prices up to 11 times higher than usual, while a journey between New York and New Jersey has spiked to nearly 12 times its standard cost. In another case, a 30-kilometer trip was being offered for 85 euros — a price FIFA acknowledged as surprising and urged local organizers to address.
The steep increases have drawn particular concern for Belgian supporters, many of whom rely on affordable transit to reach match venues. One fan advocacy group warned that such pricing could create barriers for working-class followers attempting to attend games.
FIFA Defends Pricing Strategy Amid Growing Backlash
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the elevated ticket and transport costs, describing the World Cup as operating within a “special market” where premium pricing is justified. He argued that the event’s global scale and limited infrastructure in certain host cities necessitate such measures, though he conceded that some individual cases — like the 85-euro short-distance train fare — warranted review.
His comments followed sharp criticism from Dutch columnist Sjoerd Mossou, who accused FIFA of displaying contempt toward global fans by treating the tournament as an opportunity for excessive profit. Mossou likened the organization’s approach to “sticking up a foolish middle finger at the world,” citing the disconnect between the event’s sporting ideals and its commercial execution.
Meanwhile, Belgian media highlighted the specific burden on their national fans, noting that inflated transit costs could disproportionately affect those traveling long distances to support their team. With Belgium scheduled to play in multiple host cities across the U.S., the cumulative expense of attending matches could develop into prohibitive for many.
As the tournament progresses, pressure mounts on both FIFA and local transit authorities to reconsider pricing models that risk alienating the very audiences the World Cup aims to unite. No official adjustments have been announced, but Infantino’s acknowledgment of being “surprised” by certain fares suggests internal discussions may be underway.
