Germany’s national team players have stepped in to help supporters attending their final group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering free transportation to the stadium in New Jersey.
Led by captain Joshua Kimmich, a group of senior players decided to subsidize travel costs for fans heading to Germany’s clash against Ecuador on June 25.
The move comes amid growing criticism over transportation prices between downtown New York and the New York/New Jersey Stadium. While a regular round-trip train ticket typically costs around €12.90, supporters are currently facing fares of up to $98 during the World Cup.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill blamed FIFA for refusing to cover supporter transportation costs and defended the pricing structure as necessary to protect local taxpayers.
In response, the German squad partnered with the German Football Association (DFB) to organize free shuttle buses for fans attending the Ecuador match.
In an email sent to registered supporters, the players wrote:
“We will give our all — both on and off the pitch — to ensure we share a successful and unforgettable tournament. We are fully aware of the sacrifices you are making to join us this summer, especially the financial ones. That is why, as a team, we want to give something back and help you with the particularly challenging journey to the stadium in New York.”
The initiative will provide transportation for up to 4,000 supporters. Fans were invited to register through the DFB website, with places allocated by lottery if demand exceeds capacity.
Beyond easing travel costs, the gesture is also being viewed as part of Germany’s effort to reconnect with supporters after disappointing group-stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Under head coach Julian Nagelsmann, appointed in 2023, Germany reached the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024 before losing to eventual champions Spain. Despite mixed performances since then, optimism around the national team has grown considerably, and Germany enters the 2026 World Cup among the tournament favorites.
Germany will begin its World Cup campaign against Curaçao in Houston on June 14, followed by a match against Ivory Coast in Toronto on June 20, before concluding the group stage against Ecuador in New Jersey on June 25.