What Happened
Panama supporters planning to attend the World Cup match against England at MetLife Stadium could face a sharp increase in transportation costs from New York to New Jersey. Current round-trip fares on the 18-mile route can start at $12.90, but prices may rise to more than $100 during the tournament.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford is scheduled to host eight World Cup matches, including the Group L meeting between England and Panama on the third matchday. The expected fare increase would affect fans traveling on New Jersey Transit, which serves the stadium area from New York.
How the Transport Plan Could Change
New Jersey Transit currently offers reduced fares for seniors, children and people with disabilities, but during the World Cup all passengers would pay the same price. That shift would remove discounted travel options for some riders and make match-day transit significantly more expensive for everyone using the service.
A spokesperson for NJ Transit said ticket prices for the day of the match had not been finalized and cautioned against treating any estimate as confirmed. Even so, the expected increase reflects the higher operating and security demands linked to hosting one of the world’s largest sporting events.
Why Costs Are Rising
The projected cost of NJ Transit services for the eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium is estimated at $48 million. FIFA’s security requirements are said to be especially strict, with the matches carrying the highest security perimeter of any event held in New Jersey.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said she has worked since taking office to reduce the burden World Cup expenses could place on state taxpayers. She stressed that residents should not be forced to cover the cost of transporting fans to the matches.
Broader Impact on Host Cities
New Jersey is not alone in considering higher transport prices for the tournament. In Massachusetts, round-trip travel from Boston to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough is expected to rise from $20 to more than $75. A bus option between Boston and the stadiums is also set at $95 per seat.
The pricing structure reflects how World Cup host cities and transit agencies are being pushed to absorb major costs for security, stadium operations and public transport, while FIFA retains revenue from ticket sales, broadcasting rights, concessions, sponsorships and official parking. For Panama fans hoping to attend the England match, the trip could become far more expensive than the ticket itself.