"This is yet another example of the exploitation of loyal fans." That's the Football Supporters Association's verdict on what's shaping up to be one of the most expensive journeys in World Cup history — a 27-mile train ride from Boston to Gillette Stadium.
Sources familiar with the MBTA's planning say fans will be charged around $75 — possibly more — for a return ticket from Boston South station to Foxboro during the 2026 tournament. For context: that same ticket currently costs $20 for Patriots and Revolution games. Thursday's France vs. Brazil exhibition already pushed it to $30. The World Cup price is nearly four times the standard fare.
The MBTA's justification
The authority isn't hiding from it. They've taken on a $35 million upgrade to Foxboro Station — making it fully accessible and capable of moving up to 20,000 fans per match. Sources close to the MBTA say those infrastructure costs have to land somewhere, and apparently they're landing on supporters who've already shelled out for flights, hotels, and match tickets.
The MBTA plans to formally announce its fare program by April 8.
What stings here is the comparison. Qatar gave World Cup ticket-holders free metro access throughout the tournament. Russia did too. The FSA was careful not to expect the same in the United States — different economic model, different political context — but calling for something short of $75 for a half-hour train ride doesn't seem unreasonable.
Another cost stacked on an already expensive tournament
The FSA's full statement is worth sitting with: "On top of extortionate parking charges and likely high taxi tariffs, sadly it comes as little surprise that the cost of what should be a free service to encourage use of public transport has been set at a ludicrously high level for what is by far the most expensive World Cup ever."
That's not hyperbole. Between official match tickets, accommodation, and now transport, the 2026 World Cup is pricing out the kind of supporters who've historically been the loudest and most loyal in the stands. The fans who save for years to follow their national team. The ones who actually create atmosphere.
Whether the MBTA revisits the pricing before April 8 remains the only open question. The FSA is pushing for it. Based on the numbers so far, there's little reason to expect they'll listen.
