Scotland fans book 20 school buses for games at ‘inaccessible’ US World Cup | World Cup 2026 News
U.S. World Cup Host Cities Face Criticism Over Transportation Costs
The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, known as the “Sommermarchen” or “Summer Fairy Tale,” is often cited as an exemplary event that showcased a modern, unified nation welcoming to international fans. A significant feature of that tournament was the “KombiTicket,” which provided spectators with complimentary access to local public transportation on match days.
In subsequent World Cups, host nations like Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022 extended similar transportation benefits, allowing fans to travel at no cost between stadiums. However, as the tournament approaches in the United States, concerns have emerged regarding the high costs associated with traveling to matches.
Fans attending the World Cup are already grappling with steep ticket prices, flights, and accommodations, only to face additional charges for train travel. Round-trip fares have been set at $98 in New Jersey and $80 in Massachusetts—substantially higher than the typical NFL prices of $12.90 and $20, respectively.
Officials claim the increased fares are necessary to cover security and enhanced services, emphasizing that they aim to avoid placing a financial burden on taxpayers. Despite these assurances, many fans feel the hikes are another financial strain imposed by tournament organizers amid already high expenses.
Unlike previous host countries, which bore more of the transportation costs, some local and state officials in the U.S. have expressed reluctance to assume these expenses. They argue that FIFA, which stands to gain billions from the event, should cover a larger share of the costs.
“Planning for this World Cup has been a nightmare from start to finish,” said Rory Phillips-Hunter, a 37-year-old hospitality worker from northern England. He stated that he is frustrated by the lack of affordable transportation options for traveling 25 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, to Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Scotland will play its first two matches.
In response to the situation, Phillips-Hunter and fellow fans from the Tartan Army have arranged their own transportation. They have booked approximately 20 school buses for nearly 1,000 supporters, at a cost of about $50 per person—a significant savings compared to local officials’ $95 bus fare.
While the elevated prices in New Jersey and Massachusetts can be attributed to their suburban locations—where fans typically drive to NFL games—security measures during the World Cup will severely limit parking availability. This shift will require more attendees to rely on public transit.
David Gogishvili, a senior researcher at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, noted that it is common for FIFA to shift many costs to host nations. However, the U.S. has stronger local governance, leading to resistance against unilaterally absorbing these expenses.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has urged FIFA to cover transportation costs, but the organization has countered that no other global event has faced such demands. FIFA’s original agreements allowed for cities to provide transit “at cost,” which has contributed to the higher prices.
Concerns over transportation align with broader anxieties regarding the economic benefits of the World Cup, as hotel bookings in many of the 11 host cities have not met projections. A study co-authored by Gogishvili found that nearly every World Cup from 1966 to 2018 encountered financial deficits.
Participants from abroad, like Brazilian systems analyst Ynara Correa da Costa, have raised alarms over the potential costs. After initial fare proposals reached up to $150 for a short train ride from New York City to MetLife Stadium, New Jersey officials adjusted the fare to $98, which Caosta and others still find unreasonable.
“I was stunned,” she said. “It’s just not acceptable.” While local officials recently announced a reduction in bus fares to $20, the limited capacity is expected to leave many fans without transportation to the stadium.
For many, the uncertainty surrounding travel logistics adds to the stress of attending the tournament. As the global football community awaits the kickoff, securing reliable and affordable transportation remains a pressing concern for fans.
