As New York City gears up to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside New Jersey and other North American cities, transit funding remains a pivotal concern for the region’s elected officials. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill recently weighed in during the launch of WNYC’s new series “Ask Governor Sherrill,” urging the international soccer federation to take financial responsibility for transit expenses linked to the tournament.

Sherrill emphasized that while hosting the World Cup is a significant economic and cultural opportunity, the costs of moving tens of thousands of international visitors across the region’s complex transit networks should not fall solely on local taxpayers or transit agencies. “FIFA should fund the transit infrastructure and operations necessary for the World Cup,” she stated, underscoring the global nature of the event and the expected surge in ridership.

In a pragmatic concession, the governor also indicated she would be open to $100 train tickets if that pricing helps offset the extraordinary demand during the World Cup matches. This stance marks a departure from typical fare structures on NJ Transit and Metro-North, reflecting the exceptional circumstances of hosting a global sporting event. While $100 fares may raise eyebrows among daily commuters, Sherrill framed it as a manageable premium for World Cup attendees, stressing that the revenue would support transit capacity and service improvements.

New York City’s transit system, managed primarily by the MTA, along with New Jersey’s NJ Transit, will play a critical role during the World Cup, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to venues including MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. The coordinated effort between New York and New Jersey transit authorities will require unprecedented operational scaling and funding.

Governor Sherrill’s remarks highlight a broader conversation about how host cities finance the infrastructure demands of mega-sporting events. As New York and New Jersey prepare for the World Cup, these discussions will influence the affordability and accessibility of transit for both locals and visitors alike, shaping the experience of one of the world’s largest sporting spectacles on American soil.