Morocco’s supporters have travelled thousands of kilometres to back the Atlas Lions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but many have found that reaching the stadium can come at a significant cost.
Fans attending Morocco’s opening match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey reported paying around $100 for return train tickets between New York’s Penn Station and the venue, a journey that normally costs far less.
The issue has become a talking point among supporters following Morocco’s impressive start to the tournament, highlighting some of the financial challenges facing fans attending matches in the expanded World Cup.
The rail connection linking Penn Station to the stadium, a distance of approximately 29 kilometres, is usually priced at $12.90.
However, round-trip fares were increased by New Jersey Transit officials for World Cup matches.
The changes have left some supporters questioning the additional expense required simply to reach the venue.
For Moroccan fans, many of whom travelled from different parts of the United States and beyond to support their team, transportation costs have become an unexpected part of the World Cup experience.
The restrictions extend beyond ticket prices.
Access to Penn Station during matchdays is reportedly limited to World Cup ticket holders within four hours of kick-off. Supporters must also travel according to the specific time slots allocated on their train tickets.
The measures were introduced as organisers seek to manage the large crowds expected during the tournament.
Several Moroccan supporters shared their reactions to the arrangements.
Alia Lahlou, a Morocco fan living in New York, acknowledged the logistical challenges involved in transporting large numbers of spectators and the need for enhanced security measures. However, she also felt the increase in ticket prices was substantial.
Another supporter, Samir Lagouit, who travelled from Virginia to follow the Atlas Lions, described the fare as “outrageous.”
Despite his frustration, he noted that alternative transport options were also expensive.
The concerns raised by supporters reflect a broader conversation surrounding the cost of attending major sporting events.
According to The Athletic, friends of one supporter typically pay around $16 for the same journey on weekends, underlining the scale of the increase during the World Cup period.
The impact is not limited to football fans.
Regular users of the rail line are reportedly unable to access the station during certain match periods, as transport networks prioritise tournament operations.
Host cities are also facing significant expenses linked to staging World Cup matches.
These costs include security operations, public safety measures, transportation services and stadium-related improvements.
Tournament organisers and local authorities are seeking ways to balance those investments while accommodating the influx of supporters from around the world.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously cited an estimated economic impact of $30 billion for the United States from the tournament.
However, according to reports, some city officials have expressed doubts about those projections as stakeholders continue looking for ways to recover the substantial costs associated with hosting matches.
