Fans have reacted with fury after Massachusetts transit officials announced that train tickets to the Boston Stadium, known as Gillette Stadium, would cost $80 for World Cup matches. This marks a sharp increase from the usual $20 fare for Patriots games and concerts, and the standard $8.75 commuter rail fare. The stadium is set to host seven matches, including one featuring England's national team.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has defended the price hike, stating it needs to recoup $35 million in costs for upgrades to the station ahead of the World Cup travel boom. However, fans have expressed outrage, comparing the exorbitant fares to those in New Jersey, where NJ Transit initially set round-trip tickets at $150 for a 9-mile journey before slashing the price to $98 following public backlash.
Other cities have taken a different approach. Philadelphia will offer free trains for fans leaving World Cup matches, with tickets to the stadium costing just $2.90. Meanwhile, New York Governor Kathy Hochul reduced bus fares from $80 to $20, and free events will be held across New York City for fans who cannot afford match tickets.
The high costs have also impacted hotel demand, which fell short of expectations due to visa barriers and geopolitical concerns. President Donald Trump criticised the ticket prices, saying he would not pay four-figure sums for cheap seats. Fan group Football Supporters Europe has filed a lawsuit with the European Commission accusing FIFA of excessive pricing, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the costs as reflecting the expense of doing business in the US.
