Schumer Slams FIFA Over $150 World Cup Transit Tickets

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is demanding that FIFA cover transportation costs for fans traveling to and from MetLife Stadium during the 2026 World Cup, calling the organization’s refusal to do so unreasonable given its projected $11 billion in tournament revenue.

Schumer made the remarks at a news conference in Midtown East on Sunday, criticizing FIFA for shifting the financial burden of fan transit onto New Jersey Transit, which announced round-trip train tickets would cost approximately $150 per person to accommodate an estimated 40,000 spectators per match.

The senator argued that the fee places an undue hardship on commuters and fans, especially since FIFA is eliminating parking at MetLife Stadium, leaving attendees with limited options: use mass transit or pay $225 for parking at the nearby American Dream mall.

“What the hell?!? Who the hell do you think you are?!?,” Schumer exclaimed during the press event, accusing FIFA of forcing fans onto public transportation while refusing to help cover the associated costs.

Schumer estimated that covering the transit expenses would require about $48 million — a fraction of FIFA’s projected revenue — and noted that other host cities like Philadelphia and Houston are keeping local transit fares unchanged, with most trips costing under $5. In Boston, round-trip bus fares are set at $95, significantly lower than the NJ Transit proposal.

He emphasized that the New York-New Jersey region presents unique challenges due to its high population density and the expected strain on the Northeast Corridor, the nation’s busiest commuter rail network, which will face hours-long disruptions during tournament matches.

FIFA has responded to prior criticism by stating it has historically not paid for public transportation costs during World Cup events and does not plan to change that policy for the 2026 tournament, despite the unprecedented scale of the North American-hosted event spanning the United States, Canada and Mexico.

NBC New York reached out to FIFA for comment on Schumer’s remarks but had not received a response by early Sunday evening. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to begin in June, with the final set to take place at MetLife Stadium in July.