Ticket And Transport Price Hikes Draw Criticism Ahead Of World Cup 2026

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN - Football fans planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup are facing mounting costs on multiple fronts, with both ticket prices and match-day transportation expenses drawing widespread criticism and raising concerns over accessibility.

Supporters have voiced growing frustration as the overall cost of attending matches continues to climb, with critics warning that the tournament risks becoming unaffordable for ordinary fans, AFP reported.

While ticket prices have surged sharply in recent months, reports indicate that travel costs to stadiums in host cities across the US are also expected to rise significantly.

US media reports say that match-day transport fares could far exceed normal rates. The Athletic, quoted by AFP, reported that New Jersey Transit is considering charging around $150 for a return journey between Manhattan's Penn Station and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a route that typically costs just $12.90.

In Boston, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority confirmed that return fares to Gillette Stadium will increase to $80 during the tournament, compared with the usual $20 charged on event days, AFP said.

Supporters' groups argue that such increases undermine efforts to make the World Cup accessible. Guillaume Aupretre, spokesman for France's main supporters' association, said the pricing trend marked a departure from previous tournaments, where transport was often included in ticket prices or offered at discounted rates for match ticket holders, according to AFP.

“They keep piling on the extra costs without giving any thought to the fans,” he said, accusing football's world governing body of favouring wealthier spectators at the expense of loyal supporters.

Broader reaction on social media has reflected similar concerns, with some supporters warning that fans are being“priced out” of the tournament, while others described the rising expenses as transforming the World Cup into a“luxury event rather than a global celebration”.

The issue has also attracted political attention in the US. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill blamed FIFA for the anticipated fare increases, noting that the state faces a $48 million bill to ensure security for eight matches at MetLife Stadium, AFP reported.

“I won't stick New Jersey commuters for that tab for years to come, that's not fair,” she said, arguing that FIFA, which is expected to generate billions in revenue, should instead cover transport-related costs.

Her position was echoed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who also called on FIFA to bear the cost of transporting fans to match venues, AFP said.

FIFA responded by criticising the reported increases, stressing that initial agreements with host cities had included provisions for free transportation for ticket holders, according to AFP. However, the governing body said that subsequent negotiations resulted in transport being provided“at cost” on match days.

“We are quite surprised by the approach on fan transportation,” FIFA said in a statement, adding that the tournament would bring significant economic benefits to host regions.

Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul questioned the reported fare levels, describing a potential $100 train journey as excessively high, AFP said.

The controversy over transport costs comes alongside growing scrutiny of ticket pricing. Opening match tickets start at nearly $900, while seats for the final initially ranged from over $2,000 to $8,680, AFP reported. Prices have since risen further, with top-category final tickets reaching close to $11,000 by early April 2026.

Resale markets have seen even steeper increases, with some tickets listed at many times their original value. Matches involving leading teams are now typically priced at $200 or more, far exceeding expectations set during the original bid process.

FIFA has defended its pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup, citing exceptionally high demand, with more than 150 million ticket requests submitted.

Speaking at the Semafor World Economy Summit in April, FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the US market as“very special”, comparing it to major sporting events such as the NFL and large-scale concerts.

He added that FIFA, as a non-profit organisation, generates the bulk of its revenue during the one-month tournament to support global football development over the following four years.

Nevertheless, critics have accused organisers of price gouging and excessive reliance on dynamic pricing, arguing that the combination of high ticket and transport costs risks alienating traditional fans, AFP reported.

MENAFN21042026000028011005ID1111012462