Train fares from central New York to the stadium soared from $12.90 to $150 ahead of the tournament; captain Kimmich and teammates step in to cover transport for 600 supporters

Joshua Kimmich, captain of the German national soccer team [Reuters]
Joshua Kimmich, captain of the German national soccer team [Reuters]

Germany's national soccer team players have agreed to cover transportation costs for 600 fans traveling to watch the team's final group-stage match at the 2026 North America World Cup.

The German Football Association issued a statement Thursday saying that, given the sharp rise in bus and train fares in the New York area during the tournament, the players had arranged free transport for 600 fans attending the final group-stage match.

The association added that captain Joshua Kimmich and his teammates would personally cover the cost of buses carrying fans to the New Jersey stadium where Germany faces Ecuador.

The players stepped in because transportation costs in the United States have surged ahead of the tournament.

Germany plays Ecuador in their Group E finale at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 25. The train fare from central New York to the stadium normally runs about $12.90, but it soared to as high as $150 ahead of the World Cup. Following public backlash, the price has since dropped to $98.

A shuttle service on the same route was initially priced at $80 but has similarly been reduced to $20.

New Jersey's governor said the fare spike was due to FIFA's refusal to subsidize transportation costs, according to BBC.

When the United States won its bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup in 2018, it promised to provide free public transit for fans traveling to and from venues. However, a 2023 revision to the agreement allowed organizers to charge spectators fares reflecting actual operating costs.


balme@heraldcorp.com