Here’s a classic sports governance puzzle: what happens when the world’s most lucrative soccer organization rolls into town for a month-long party, and the local transit system gets stuck with the tab? New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has an answer, and it involves some pointed public criticism.
On Wednesday, Sherrill took aim at FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, over what she described as a lopsided financial arrangement for the 2026 World Cup. In a video posted on X, the Democratic governor said her administration inherited an agreement where FIFA is “providing $0 for transportation to the World Cup” while NJ TRANSIT faces a $48 million bill to shuttle fans safely to and from matches.
“FIFA is making $11 billion,” Sherrill noted, adding that the organization is “charging fans up to $10,000 for a single ticket for the final.” Her message was straightforward: “FIFA should pay for the rides. But if they don’t—I’m not going to let New Jersey get taken for one.”
It’s not just a New Jersey issue. The Athletic reported that a round-trip train ticket from Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford could cost fans over $100 because FIFA isn’t covering transit costs. That prompted criticism from other Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
The 2026 World Cup, set for June 11 to July 19, will be spread across 16 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, with 48 nations playing 104 matches. The host nations—U.S., Canada, and Mexico—have automatically qualified. Notably, Iran is also set to participate despite warnings from President Donald Trump about safety concerns.
