England fans dreaming of World Cup glory at MetLife Stadium next month may face a journey as challenging as the players' on the pitch. With transit costs soaring to $98 (£73) and parking fees hitting $200 (£149), some supporters are considering a 14-mile walk from Manhattan to the stadium.
A Pilgrimage for Football Fans
Mirror US reporter Mataeo Smith undertook the five-and-a-half-hour walk in 26°C heat to test the route. He set off from Manhattan, crossing the George Washington Bridge in 30 minutes, then navigating through New Jersey suburbs and highways. Smith warned that bicyclists and pedestrians are banned from roads and highways near the venue, so fans must be discreet.
He advised bringing a bag with water kept cool at the bottom: "Gulping down a litre of water when you have more than four hours left is a major buzzkill." Signal issues and unclear routes added to the difficulty. Finding a restroom was also a challenge, with Smith opting to "tough it out" rather than buy food at a fast-food chain just to use the toilet.
The Final Verdict
Smith concluded: "This five-and-a-half hour walk wasn't worth it. The sweat on my back was all I needed to understand that the $98 I would hypothetically pay to watch a World Cup game is better than fizzling out under the sun." For fans planning to attend the final on July 19, kick-off at 3pm local time means setting off by 8am to arrive 90 minutes early.
