New Jersey officials have confirmed a staggering price tag for World Cup travel, revealing that train fares to MetLife Stadium for the 2026 tournament will cost fans $150 per ride. This eye-watering fee, confirmed by NJ Transit on Friday, represents a massive premium over the standard $12.90 fare for the same 15-minute, nine-mile journey from New York's Penn Station.

The decision comes after Governor Mikie Sherrill publicly criticized FIFA for not covering the estimated $48 million in transportation costs required to shuttle fans to the venue. With parking severely limited and priced at $225, officials expect roughly 40,000 spectators per match to rely on public transit for the eight games scheduled at MetLife, which is set to host the World Cup final.

NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri defended the pricing, stating the $150 fare is strictly a cost-recovery measure. "We're not trying to gouge anybody," Kolluri explained. "We're trying to recover the cost of $48 million that it's going to cost by charging $150 a ticket." The move highlights the complex financial logistics behind hosting the world's biggest sporting event and raises questions about fan accessibility for what should be a celebration of the global game.