World Cup fever is building, but for fans heading to the marquee matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the journey is hitting them with a shocking price tag before they even reach their seats. The Football Supporters' Association is slamming the cost, accusing organizers of "fleecing" and "gouging" supporters with a staggering $150 (£111) train ticket for a simple 30-minute ride from Manhattan's Penn Station.

This fare represents an astronomical markup—over 11 times the usual $12.90 (£9.50) return trip for the 18-mile journey. Making matters worse, there are no discounts for children or seniors, and all tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The final price, announced Friday, was even higher than earlier reports of $100, adding to the frustration.

MetLife Stadium, which will be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the tournament due to FIFA's sponsorship rules, is set to host eight crucial matches, including an England group game and the final on July 19th. This pricing controversy follows a similar pattern seen in Boston, where transport costs to Gillette Stadium were also massively inflated.

Thomas Concannon of the FSA's England fans' group expressed profound disappointment, stating the cost is "completely out of the norm from previous tournaments." He emphasized that while fans didn't expect free travel, they certainly didn't anticipate being exploited. This sentiment is a stark contrast to the free transport provided at the recent World Cups in Russia and Qatar, a perk the U.S. had reportedly committed to in its host agreement.

As the global football community prepares to descend on the U.S., these exorbitant travel costs are casting a shadow over the fan experience, turning what should be a celebration of the sport into a financial burden for the very people who make the atmosphere electric.