Germany’s players will cover the cost of bus travel for 600 supporters attending their final World Cup group-stage match against Ecuador, following criticism over high transport prices during the tournament.
The Group E fixture will take place on 25 June at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with many fans expected to travel from central New York to the venue.
Transport costs have come under scrutiny after train tickets for the route, usually priced at $12.90 (£9.50), were increased to $150 for the tournament before later being reduced to $98.
Shuttle bus fares were also initially set at $80 for a similar journey, but have since been lowered to $20. The governor of New Jersey said the inflated prices were linked to Fifa’s refusal to subsidise transport costs.
“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 German FA said.
“Captain Joshua Kimmich and his team-mates are covering the cost of buses to take supporters from New York to the arena in New Jersey for the match against Ecuador.”
Free transport was available for supporters at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar, allowing fans to travel to matches and fan zones at no extra cost. The United States had also committed to offering a similar benefit in its 2018 host agreement.
However, a 2023 revision to that agreement stated that fans would instead be charged at cost value for transport during the tournament.
Germany’s gesture comes as supporters continue to voice frustration over the rising costs of attending World Cup matches, with travel expenses adding further pressure to fans already facing high ticket and accommodation prices.
