Morocco’s World Cup opener against Brazil is already one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, but getting there is proving hugely expensive for fans.
Fans of the Atlas Lions traveling from New York to the stadium in New Jersey will have to pay around $150 for a round-trip train ticket, a huge increase compared to normal prices : $12,9.
The special fare, set for the FIFA World Cup 2026, applies to travel between Penn Station and MetLife Stadium. That same journey costs a fraction of the price under usual conditions, making the increase hard to ignore.
Officials argue the cost reflects the scale of the operation. Transporting tens of thousands of fans safely and efficiently for each match requires significant resources, and authorities say those costs cannot fall on taxpayers alone.
Limited alternatives
The issue is not just the price, it’s also the lack of flexibility.
The $150 train ticket is a flat rate, no discounts for children or seniors. A bus alternative exists at around $80 round-trip, but capacity is limited. Access to both options will be restricted strictly to match ticket holders, with advance booking required.
On top of that, fans won’t be able to drive.
No public parking will be allowed at the stadium, making public transport or organized shuttles almost the only way to get there.
Transport authorities justify the pricing with a $48 million operational plan required to handle passenger volumes expected to be four times higher than normal. According to the CEO of NJ Transit, the goal is to cover these costs without placing the burden on local taxpayers, especially since FIFA is not contributing to fan transportation.
The situation has already raised concerns. There are fears that such pricing could discourage attendance or push fans toward less organized travel solutions.
For Moroccan supporters, many of whom are expected to travel in large numbers for the clash with Brazil, the added cost is significant. Between flights, accommodation, and match tickets, attending the game was already a major commitment. This transport fee adds another layer to it.
The World Cup is meant to be a global celebration. Because at its core, football is supposed to be about fans.
They create the atmosphere, they carry the emotion; they are the reason tournaments like the FIFA World Cup 2026 matter in the first place.
But with rising costs, this edition risks drifting away from the very people who make the game what it is. It’s starting to feel like an exclusive event.
This World Cup might be one of the biggest ever but for fans, it’s could also be one of the hardest to truly be part of.
Read also: FIFA Faces Backlash From Fans, Host Cities as 2026 World Cup Feels Out of Reach
