In a major win for soccer fans heading to the 2026 World Cup, transport prices for matches at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey have been slashed following widespread fan backlash. The price of a train ticket has been cut from a jaw-dropping $150 (£111) to a more reasonable $98 (£73), while shuttle bus fares have dropped dramatically from $80 (£59) to just $20 (£15).

The original pricing had sparked outrage, with Thomas Concannon, leader of the Football Supporters' Association England fan group, calling the costs "astronomical" and "completely out of the norm." For context, a normal return rail journey from Manhattan's Penn Station to the stadium—a distance of about 18 miles—typically costs just $12.90 (£9.50). The drastic price hike had threatened to put a damper on the tournament experience for thousands of traveling fans.

MetLife Stadium, which will be known as New York/New Jersey Stadium during the World Cup due to FIFA's corporate sponsorship naming policy, is set to host eight matches, including the final and one of England's Group L games. The venue's accessibility became a hot-button issue after it was revealed that travel during the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar was free for fans. The U.S. had initially committed to offering the same perk in its 2018 host agreement, but a 2023 revision changed the terms to allow travel "at cost."

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, who previously criticized FIFA's refusal to subsidize transport, took to social media to announce the price cuts. "Good news: Ahead of NJ Transit World Cup train tickets going on sale, NJ Transit is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money," she wrote. "Thank you to our partners for helping make this possible." New York Governor Kathy Hochul also celebrated the 75% reduction in round-trip bus fares, emphasizing that "getting to the World Cup should be as accessible as possible."

For fans gearing up to cheer on their teams in the stands, this price adjustment means more money left in the budget for the things that really matter—like that must-have team jersey or commemorative scarf from the tournament shop. After all, the World Cup is about more than just the matches; it's about the entire experience, from the journey to the destination.