As the 2026 World Cup approaches, concerns over high costs for fans have dominated headlines. However, several US host cities are bucking the trend by offering affordable transport options and fan-friendly policies.
Philadelphia stands out with public transport to matches costing just $2.90. Match tickets on the secondary market have dropped 16% from last month, and fan fests remain free. Meg Kane, the host city executive, said the focus has been on the fan experience.
In Kansas City, a cheap bus system for ticket-holders includes $15 return rides to the stadium and free shuttles from the airport. A regional bus network costs $5 per day or $50 for the entire tournament. Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium will keep its $2 hotdogs, as owner Arthur Blank emphasised honouring fans' support.
New York City, after cancelling a costly fan fest, announced five free fan fests across boroughs. Meanwhile, train tickets from New York to MetLife Stadium, initially priced at $150, have dropped to $98 after sponsorship deals.
These cities demonstrate that reasonable pricing is possible, but it comes at a cost—sacrificing potential revenue for World Cup legacy projects. The choice between financial benefit and positive public perception remains a challenge for host cities.
