A dispute has erupted between New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and FIFA over who should bear the cost of transporting fans during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with both sides trading sharp public statements over financial responsibility.
Sherrill ignited the row after revealing that the state inherited a hosting agreement under which FIFA would contribute nothing toward transportation costs for the tournament. “We inherited an agreement where FIFA is providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup,” she said, warning that New Jersey would not absorb what she described as an unfair financial burden.
According to the governor, NJ Transit is expected to cover a $48 million bill to move fans safely to and from match venues, even as FIFA is projected to generate around $11 billion from the global showpiece. “And while NJ TRANSIT is stuck with a $48 million bill to safely get fans to and from games, FIFA is making $11 billion,” Sherrill added.
She made it clear that her administration would resist passing the cost onto residents. “I’m not going to stick New Jersey commuters with that tab for years to come,” she said in a video on X.com, insisting that FIFA should assume responsibility. “FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don’t – I’m not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.”
FIFA responded swiftly and forcefully, expressing surprise at the governor’s position and defending the existing framework governing host city obligations. “We are quite surprised by the NJ Governor’s approach today on fan transportation,” the organisation said in a statement.
FIFA explained that the original host city agreements signed in 2018 required free transport for fans attending matches, but those terms were revised in 2023 to ease financial pressure on host cities. Under the updated arrangement, ticket holders and accredited individuals are expected to access transport at cost, rather than free of charge.
The governing body also highlighted its role in supporting host cities through planning and funding advocacy. “FIFA worked for years with host cities on transportation and mobility plans, including advocating for millions of dollars in federal funding to support host cities for transportation,” the statement read.
Emphasising the broader economic benefits of the tournament, FIFA noted that millions of fans are expected to travel across North America, including to the New York–New Jersey area, which is scheduled to host eight matches. The organisation added that it is unaware of any comparable major events where organisers were required to directly fund fan transportation.
