Germany offers to cover fan transport for World Cup match in New York/New Jersey

The executives of the German selection have decided to help their supporters limit the travel bill for the last group match of the World Cup against Ecuador, scheduled for June 25, 2026 in New Jersey. Faced with the high cost of transfers from central New York to the New York/New Jersey stadium, the German Federation organized free shuttles to relieve some of the fans' needs.

The problem had created a lot of discontent: a bus ticket for the trip currently costs $20, while a round-trip train ride on the New Jersey Transit network would cost $98 — while the same trip would normally cost around €12.90.

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill blamed the increase on FIFA's decision not to cover fan transportation during the World Cup, defending the rates as a measure to protect local taxpayers.

To try to alleviate this financial burden, a group of senior players from Julian Nagelsmann's squad, led by captain Joshua Kimmich, took the initiative of subsidizing the journey. The DFB sent emails to members of its registered supporters groups on Monday – messages which The Athletic was able to view and verify.

“We will give everything — on and off the field — to make this tournament a successful and unforgettable moment,” the message read. “Your support means a lot to us. We are fully aware of the sacrifices you are making to join us this summer, particularly financially. That's why, as a team, we want to give something back and help you with the particularly difficult journey to the stadium in New York. For our group match against Ecuador on June 25, 2026 in New Jersey, we have organized a free shuttle bus for you. »

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These shuttles will have 4,000 seats. Interested supporters were invited to register via the DFB website. The email specifies that if the demand exceeds 4,000 places, the beneficiaries would be drawn and informed before June 11.

The DFB concludes: “We hope this will make a small part of our big journey together a little easier. See you soon in New York! Your national team. »

This gesture was welcomed by fans and the local press, who highlighted the players' effort to ease the financial burden on supporters. Germany, four times winner of the World Cup (last victory in 2014), had experienced disillusionment with eliminations from the group stage in 2018 and 2022, causing a period of disengagement and strong public criticism.

Since the appointment of Julian Nagelsmann in 2023, the atmosphere has improved significantly: Germany qualified for the quarter-finals at the 2024 European Championship organized at home, where they lost to Spain, future champion. Entering the 2026 World Cup among the teams still cited among the contenders, the selection has in any case scored points by working hard for its supporters.

As a reminder, the schedule of the three group matches for Germany: against Curaçao on June 14, 2026 in Houston, against Ivory Coast on June 20, 2026 in Toronto, then the match against Ecuador on June 25, 2026 in New Jersey.