German players fund travel for 600 fans to World Cup
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- German players will cover bus transport for 600 fans traveling from New York to Met Life stadium for the Group E match against Ecuador on 25 June.
- Train tickets from central New York to the stadium were initially $12.90, rose to $150 for the tournament, then reduced to $98.
- Shuttle bus fares were initially $80 but have been lowered to $20 for the same journey.
- New Jersey governor said the inflated transport prices are due to FIFA refusing to subsidize travel costs.
- German FA announced that captain Joshua Kimmich and teammates are funding the buses for supporters.
- Russia and Qatar World Cups offered free transport for fans; the US host agreement originally promised the same perk for 2018.
- US host agreement amendment in 2023 changed the policy so supporters would be charged travel at cost value.
Why it matters: The 600 fans gain free bus rides, offsetting the steep $98 train fare and $20 shuttle cost, while the German players shoulder the expense; the move highlights the disparity between promised free travel in prior World Cups and the current FIFA‑refused subsidy, putting pressure on organizers to address cost inflation.
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