Germany’s national team players have stepped in to cover travel costs for hundreds of supporters after rising transport prices at the World Cup sparked criticism from fans and officials.
The German Football Association (DFB) announced that captain Joshua Kimmich and his teammates will fund bus transport for 600 fans travelling from New York to New Jersey for Germany’s final Group E match against Ecuador on 25 June.
The decision comes amid widespread complaints about the cost of travelling to stadiums during the tournament, with train fares from central New York to MetLife Stadium reportedly increasing from $12.90 (£9.50) to as high as $150 before being reduced to $98.
Shuttle bus fares, which were initially set at $80 for similar routes, have also been reduced to around $20 following public backlash.
According to organisers, the price increases stem from a decision not to subsidise transport, with the New Jersey governor stating that FIFA had declined to fund travel support for fans.
In response, Germany’s players opted to intervene directly to ensure supporters are not priced out of attending matches.
“In light of the high cost of bus and train travel in New York during the World Cup, the German national team players have organised free transport to the final group match for 600 fans,” the DFB said in a statement.
The move contrasts with previous World Cups in Russia and Qatar, where free public transport was provided for fans attending matches and fan zones. The United States, co-hosting the tournament, had initially committed to a similar arrangement in its 2018 hosting agreement, but this was later revised in 2023 to a cost-recovery model.
The situation has reignited debate over accessibility for fans and the affordability of attending major international sporting events, with Germany’s gesture drawing praise for easing the financial burden on supporters.
