SouthernWorldwide.com – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, with the first game at MetLife Stadium set for next Saturday, ticket sales for NJ Transit’s dedicated train services are surprisingly sluggish.
Initially, NJ Transit had priced round-trip tickets at a steep $150. However, following the securing of additional private funding, the cost was reduced to $98 per ticket.
Despite the price adjustment, the demand for these special World Cup train tickets has been significantly lower than anticipated. NJ Transit had planned to transport an ambitious 40,000 passengers for each of the eight games scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium.
However, reports indicate that as of Monday evening, only 17,739 tickets had been purchased across all eight matches. This figure represents less than 6% of the total 320,000 tickets made available for the World Cup games.
The New York New Jersey Host Committee and NJ Transit have begun selling tickets for the train service. Currently, train schedules are not yet publicly available. However, fans can purchase tickets within specific departure time windows, which range from one to five hours before the scheduled kickoff.
A crucial detail for potential attendees is that tickets for the World Cup train service will not be available for purchase on game days. Fans are strongly encouraged to buy their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
The pricing of the train tickets had been a point of contention between New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and FIFA. Governor Sherrill had publicly urged FIFA to cover the transportation costs for fans attending the games.
Sherrill stated that her administration inherited an agreement where FIFA was contributing “zero” towards transportation, leaving NJ Transit with an estimated $48 million bill to ensure safe transit for fans to and from each game. She emphasized that she would not burden New Jersey commuters with this cost for years to come.
In response to Governor Sherrill’s remarks, FIFA expressed surprise at her “unprecedented approach.” The organization pointed out that the World Cup is expected to bring millions of fans and significant economic benefits to North America.
FIFA also stated that they were unaware of any previous major events held at the NYNJ Stadium, including other large sporting events or global concert tours, where organizers were mandated to pay for fan transportation.
The logistical arrangements for game days are also quite restrictive. NJ Transit service into and out of New York City will be suspended starting four hours before matches commence, with the exception of World Cup ticket holders.
Furthermore, there will be no parking available at MetLife Stadium on game days. Rideshare services will also be unavailable directly on the stadium property; instead, users will be dropped off at a location near the adjacent racetrack.
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The inaugural match at MetLife Stadium will feature Brazil against Morocco. The stadium is also slated to host the World Cup final match on July 19.
